This paper begins by examining various aspects of children's and young people's reading ability and the new media, including children's media use and ownership, as well as multicultural aspects. The way public libraries see their role in the teaching of media skills is then considered, including well-developed reading ability as a prerequisite of…

This publication recognizes the importance of women's health, and more specifically, the role of culture, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic background, geographic location, and other social and economic factors in contributing to health status. After a section that highlights important issues, section 1, "Factors Affecting the Health of Women of…

This training manual presents information on the Brockport Physical Fitness Test (BPFT), a criterion-referenced fitness test for children and adolescents with disabilities. The first chapter of the test training manual includes information dealing with health-related criterion-referenced testing, the interaction between physical activity and…

This volume is largely based on data from the Sloan Study of Youth and Social Development, a 5-year study begun in 1989 when many of the students were in eighth grade (n=7,000). This account presents good news and bad news about our teenagers. Contrary to prevailing notions, theirs is the most ambitious generation yet, but because schools and…

Using the Scale of Intrinsic versus Extrinsic Orientation in the Classroom (S. Harter, 1980) and the Self-Perception Profile for Children (S. Harter, 1985), this study of 222 urban early adolescents (median age=149 months) examined differences in motivation that might affect academic achievement and perceptions of competence. Socioeconomic status…

This study examined the Young Adult Library Service Association's (YALSA's) Best Books for Young Adults (BBYA) recommended list for the years 1994-98 in order to determine if the list provides diversity in terms of the content of books and the gender and ethnicity of the authors and editors whose works appear on it. The results of the study…

Research has shown a decline in motivation and performance for many children as they move from elementary school into middle school; however, research has also shown that the nature of motivational change on entry to middle school depends on characteristics of the learning environment in which students find themselves. This Digest outlines some…

Noting that the United States is the only developed Western nation with no national child care, this videotape examines the need for high quality, affordable child care available to all families. Drawing on personal narratives of working parents overwhelmed with balancing work/family and child care needs/costs, the 50-minute video examines the…

Argues that middle school educators and administrators need professional preparation specific to middle school students' unique social, emotional, and educational needs. Focuses on the importance of the principal to gain appropriate training and foster professional staff preparation and development. Contains recommendations for creating…

Examined link between Chinese teachers' beliefs about classroom aggression and withdrawal and their support of middle schoolers, and student behaviors, peer acceptance, and self-perceived social competence. Found that teachers' aversion to aggression and empathy toward withdrawal enhanced self-perceptions of both aggressive and withdrawn children…

Describes the progressive development of a five-year, school-based, systems change initiative for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities and their families. The program integrates mental health, education, and other family-focused services into a more flexible system. Discusses evaluation data in the context of the systems change…

Postulates a wide dichotomy between the levels of accurate sexual information among teenagers. Asserts that even by age 15-16, some young people lack the essential information to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Suggests a possible separation between boys and girls to address different gender needs. Includes five tables of statistical data. (MJP)

Analyzes kibbutz adolescents' behavior at four biographical stages: voluntary community service, military service, leave of absence from the kibbutz, and higher education. Determines a distinct association between the socializing agents in the kibbutz and the development of democratic values. (MJP)

Discusses the role of public and school libraries in helping adolescents deal with the problems and issues they face, including sexuality, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and gender roles. Outside resources are discussed; collection development and selection policies are considered; and 15 information sources on sexuality are listed.…

Compares opinions of students from secondary, vocational, and technicums technical schools in the USSR on why Soviet students drink alcohol. Reasons include companionship, celebrations, curiosity, and imitation. Investigates gender differences. Underscores student naivete about alcohol's effects. Indicates discrepancies between students' stated…