This experimental study explored whether, and to what extent, differences in gender and experience with word processing affect how students perceive their classroom environment in high school writing classes. Treatment of experimental and control groups is described, and the classroom environment questionnaire for the experimental…

Reviews similarities in criticism of the treatment of women, minorities, and homosexuals by marital and family therapists. Examines the impact these critiques have had on the field and explores areas in which work is still needed. Contains 132 references. (JBJ)

An annual survey of college faculty salaries found an average rise of 3%, slightly more than the inflation rate. Some feel salary stagnation may be ending. Data are presented on pay vs. cost of living, full-time faculty salaries, gender differences, and average salaries, by faculty rank, at 1,900 institutions. (MSE)

Half of a sample of 11,457 college-bound juniors used a calculator on Scholastic Aptitude Test mathematics questions, while half did not. Both genders and three ethnic groups benefited about equally from calculator use. Students who routinely used calculators were relatively advantaged, but effects on individual test items varied. (SLD)

Surveys 278 British high school students concerning musical styles preferences. Generally speaking, students rejected classical and "serious" music as they grew older. Girls exhibited acceptance of a wider range of musical styles. Includes statistical tables. (MJP)

A study trained 14 high school students to interview 220 rural West Virginia students in grades 7-10 about their social service needs and their delivery preferences. Results indicate that large numbers of rural students were perceived by their peers as having major social and emotional problems yet little knowledge of human service professionals.…

Successful interviewers ask job-related, open-ended, and thought-provoking questions on important topics; plan questions logically; avoid making stressful, probing queries and interpreting questions for candidates; ask each candidate the same questions; and make each candidate feel comfortable. A checklist of 25 illegal questions is included. (MLH)

At four colleges, 135 African American women students completed measures of self-concept, gender identity, and ethnic identity, and were interviewed. Results suggest that women's self-concepts of race and gender are experienced differently depending on their school's racial and gender composition. Colleges should reexamine diversity efforts to…

A study examined the influence of situated knowledge embedded in 17 rural preservice teachers' autobiographies on their perspectives on diversity and future classroom practices. Four themes emerged in interviews: situative cognition in rural contexts; cultural groups being together but existing apart; understanding group similarities and…

The development of an inventory of Mexican immigrant students' reading preferences is described. A study involving 405 Mexican immigrant students in grades 6-9 in southern New Mexico examined various influences on reading preferences. Results indicate that although preferences differed by gender, grade level, and U.S. residence, titles reflecting…

Examined gender differences in the mathematics performance of high-achieving fourth and sixth graders, noting the effects of ethnicity. Scores from 1996 California Achievement Tests indicated that students in both grades showed significant gender differences. There were no interaction effects of gender by ethnicity. There were inconsistent racial…

Summarizes evidence regarding disparities in health status and access to health services across disadvantaged U.S. populations, reviewing major contributing factors to these disparities, highlighting examples of advocacy approaches that have been conceptualized and implemented in health education efforts, and discussing the role of advocacy aimed…

Compares achievement data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress 1997 Arts Assessment for eighth graders in music, theater, and the visual arts by gender, race/ethnicity, and type of school attended (public or nonpublic). Data show that females outperformed males in every category of assessment for all three art forms assessed. (SLD)

Examined social adjustment among high school seniors who had immigrated from the former Soviet Union as early adolescents, investigating cultural influences and gender differences. Students considered the school's role to be academic. They felt more comfortable with same-culture peers and were only marginally influenced by the host culture. There…

A survey of 35 middle school students with learning disabilities found that students receiving moderate accommodations and adapted grades attributed their highest grade more to effort than did students receiving minimal accommodations and no adapted grades. Boys attributed the factor of teacher helpfulness significantly higher than girls for…