Compares the fertility behavior and fertility expectations for future childbearing of foreign-born and native-born women in the United States. Results show the immigrant-native fertility gap has increased during the 1980s because fertility dropped at a faster rate for natives than for immigrants. (GLR)

The Hastings Alternative School Program (HASP), designed for at-risk students, operates within Hastings-on-Hudson (New York) High School's regular program. Students are given an external structure and set of expectations enforced by an accountability system stressing communication and student responsibility. Nearly half of all HASP students go on…

A theory of academic competence is proposed that emphasizes academic skills and strategies (e.g., taking notes, using dictionaries, and studying for tests), background knowledge of content material, and of what is expected in a U.S. classroom. (33 references) (LB)

Suggestions are offered for improving the content of beginning English-as-a-Second-Language texts, which often reflect low expectations of students and limit both the rate and scope of language learning. Methods for engaging the learner and stimulating dialogue are discussed. (nine references) (LB)

Although college administrators at every level experience some role conflict or ambiguity while acclimating to new jobs, if the dissonance is unresolved, it can lead to lower job satisfaction and self-confidence, higher tension and psychological strain, and greater feelings of futility and anxiety. Strategies for resolution are individual but have…

Evaluated measures of infant cognitive development in 208 pairs of twins at 7, 8, and 9 months of age. Results contributed to the growing evidence of stability in intellectual development from infancy. (RH)

An industrial arts teacher explains necessity for teaching seven of his nine adopted children at home. Although his white children were well disciplined and encouraged by teachers, the East Indian, Cambodian, Hispanic, and African-American youngsters received little correction for out-of-line behavior and poor academic performance. Besides getting…

Researcher and former teacher Jeannie Oakes enlarges on the message of her 1985 publication "Keeping Track," a research-based account of tracking's devastating effects in public schools. The widespread practice of tracking students will not be dismantled until educators truly realize that schools can help "make children smart."…

Responses from 134 superintendents, 134 principals, 134 vocational teachers, and 153 vocational directors (78%) revealed the perception that directors were primarily involved in administration, instruction, promotion, and personnel. Teachers, superintendents, and principals would like them to be substantially more involved in promotion and…

For governing boards and college presidents to function effectively, a statement of mutual expectations is needed. A good statement forms the basis for future evaluations, helps the president know the board's specific expectations for performance, and focuses the board and the president on the same issues. (MSE)

Relations among age appearance, facial attractiveness, and adult expectations of infants' developmental maturity were examined in three studies. Adults judged unattractive infants to be older and capable of more specific developmental skills than attractive infants but rated their general competence to be lower. (BC)

An informal survey of 19 media relations firms whose clients include schools, colleges, and universities revealed that institutions can contribute most to the success of the consultant-client relationship by planning, establishing goals and expectations, building a team, and identifying worthwhile stories. (MSE)

Guidelines offered for working with college alumni volunteers in student recruitment efforts include enlisting local alumni leaders' help; communicating expectations and procedures; requiring up-to-date records on local schools; prompt response to volunteer communications; and recognizing volunteer contributions. (MSE)

Reports on a study of 91 psychology faculty who rated each of 39 extra-credit opportunities on 3 criteria: (1) their use of the item; (2) its educational value; and (3) the likelihood that all students would be able to complete the opportunity (access). Finds that approximately 82% used some form of extra-credit assignment. (CFR)

As a rural Maryland middle school found, Saturday school keeps students in class. Assigning students to 3.5 hours of school attendance on a Saturday can eliminate inschool suspension and reduce out-of-school suspension; provide a different discipline avenue for administrators; reduce the number of major disciplinary offenses; increase the total…