Analysis of the problems of French-speaking Ontarian minority students suggests that they are able to build on the different communicative resources they bring to the task to jointly or variably address multiple embedded discourse and task and social functions, thereby extending their use and awareness of language. (Author/BJV)

This book provides a preservice training program across all secondary subjects by grounding a constructivist approach in seven discrete instructional areas. There are 15 modules in four sections. Section 1, "Constructivist Ideology," includes (1) "The Nature of Teaching and Learning." Section 2, "How-To's," includes…

This report examines the collaborative program between Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) and the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia (UVA). The program began in 1997 and was designed to encourage PVCC students, particularly minority and other nontraditional students, to participate in the Introduction to Teaching…

This paper examines the links between various personal and social risk factors and drug use among youth living in rural communities. Data were collected through self-report surveys administered to 1,656 7th- and 8th-grade students and 1,205 11th- and 12th-grade students in 9 rural communities with populations ranging from 451 to 18,400. Surveys…

Studies the effects of social skills training on four behaviorally disordered male elementary school students. Finds that training effects decreased following training, and that there was no increase in positive responses from peers. Discusses the problems of social skills training in special education classes. (FMW)

A framework for developing teachers' reflective decision making ability is provided along with specific staff development activities that promote teacher reflection. Strategies include conducting personal histories, video/audio self-assessment, journal writing, cognitive coaching, cases, role playing, and problem framing/action research. (SM)

Observed 88 first and second graders and 76 fifth and sixth graders during playground interactions. A time-sampling procedure recorded gender, race, and group size of all interactive play in seven playground areas. Found that mixed-gender interactions were more likely than same-gender ones to include other races, and mixed-race interactions…

This practicum study devised and evaluated a program designed to reduce overt incidents of stereotyping among diverse fourth through sixth graders in a large urban K-8 school. The 8-month intervention was comprised of six elements: (1) establishing a safe secure classroom atmosphere governed by consistent authoritative discipline; (2) building…

Research begun in 1988 investigated the induction process of beginning vocational teachers. Several research techniques were used in the study: nominal group technique focus sessions, focus group sessions, and individual interviews; daily and weekly tape-recorded logs and site visits; national survey; and exemplary induction assistance programs.…

The objectives of a study were (1) to describe the various reasons why vocational decisions which are incongruent with measured interest patterns, but which appear to be governed by traditional sex roles, are made; (2) to determine the extent to which such incongruities are attributable to sex stereotyping; and (3) to assess the probability that…

Social networks are the linkages between social units, both persons and groups, with which an individual has contact. The articles in this special issue address the different types of people and their functions that make up the social networks of females and males from infancy into childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. (BJV)

Discusses issues of diversity as program objectives in recruiting, selecting, and training peer mediators. Asserts that coordinators of peer mediation programs should select mediators that represent a cross section of the student body that reflects sensitivity to the school's demographic composition. (KW)

Describes an English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program in which international graduate students in the sciences are grouped according to their particular disciplines. This ensures that the peer group members are the content experts, whereas the ESL teacher serves only as the language expert, providing help in organization, grammar, pronunciation,…

Examined a comprehensive program that used a whole-school approach to prepare high school students for making healthy lifestyle choices, particularly related to sexuality/sexual risk taking. The program involved teacher development, parent involvement, and peer leadership development. Survey data indicated that the program influenced the whole…

This study of middle and high school students' attitudes about school and gangs on Guam is part of a larger study of the island's expanding youth gang problem. The quantitative component of the study examined data from 3 different surveys of 655 middle school and high school students, examining the incidence of gang membership and attitudes about…