Tests the ability of mass media interventions (radio and television) to enhance the efficacy of school cigarette smoking prevention programs, examining a cohort of 5,458 elementary school students followed for 4 years. Mass media interventions sharing objectives with school programs appear effective when carefully aimed at high risk youth. (SLD)

An interview-based study with 13 African-American and white third graders finds that developmental age, prior experience, and academic background provide the context for comprehending, identifying with, and generally enjoying 24 culturally conscious children's literary works. Both race and class are important identifying social influences. (SLD)

Investigated effects of kindergarten schedules and prior preschool attendance on elementary children's academic achievement, incidence of grade retention, and reception of special education services in 32 Ohio school districts. In this statewide longitudinal study, children who attended preschool prior to kindergarten had greater success in…

Profiles a very perceptive teacher of transition and first grade classes and three of his insightful students. The profile illustrates how mathematics is embedded in the activities of everyday life, including playground activities, and how teachers can help young children learn to think as mathematicians think. (BB)

The effects on children's school achievement of countercultural nonconventional family organization and parental values were studied in a 12-year longitudinal study of 146 nonconventional families and 43 2-parent conventional families. Strong commitment to meaningful values about the family lifestyle can protect children from risks that can…

Ten states participated in a cross-state scoring workshop in 1991, evaluating writing from elementary school, middle school, and high school students. Correlation of scores assigned by readers from one state with those from readers from another state were generally quite high. Implications for defining common standards are discussed. (SLD)

Effects of mothers' need for approval on children's expectancies for success and persistence during failure were studied for 90 fifth graders attempting to solve 4 puzzles, 3 of which were unsolvable. Parental and situational variables affect children's achievement cognitions and behavior. Implications for parental socialization of achievement are…

Nine research reports on the use of computers in the education of young children are reviewed. The reports appear in dissertations, journal articles, or papers that are in the ERIC database. Each report is referenced to its ERIC accession number. (BC)

Considers maintenance of African-American/white status relationships through educational policy in four Cleveland (Ohio) elementary schools. Although African-American and European American children begin with equal potential, that potential is developed to a lesser extent in African Americans. Discusses ways of countering challenges to…

Guidelines for developing performance assessments in science education allied with current research and reform are presented. The guidelines are applied to 3 hands-on science investigations performed by over 300 fifth and sixth graders and scored by science educators. Although difficult to develop, such assessments can be scored reliably. (SLD)

Examines the relationship between adjustment in school of 51 immigrant Jewish children (aged 6 to 15 years, born in the former Soviet Union), and their parents' attitudes to social change and new experiences in comparison with 51 U.S.-born Jewish children. Parental attitudes are significant predictors of adjustment for both groups. (SLD)

Studies influences of male elementary school teachers on sex stereotyping behaviors of 44 male and 41 female students and 60 male and 43 female comparison students, students' assessments of male and female teachers' competence, and male students' interest in becoming teachers. Male teachers have a greater influence on boys' views. (SLD)

Studies ethnic differences in parent involvement and ways to increase involvement of low-income parents. Interviews with 83 parents (51 identified as Latino) of 83 students indicated parent attitudes. An intervention with 58 families of 119 kindergarten and first grade students resulted in greater participation than for 61 control families. (SLD)

Describes a variety of devices that can assist students with disabilities. Highlights recently developed devices for students with specific learning disabilities, and with vision, hearing, health, physical, and speech and language impairments. The devices can help rehabilitate, reeducate, facilitate normalcy, or augment current functioning. (GLR)

Describes a comprehensive classroom management system that fosters the development of academic and social goals in all elementary school students. Advocates an approach that includes antecedents that prevent or minimize disruption and consequences that reinforce or increase appropriate behavior. (GLR)