Using self-determination theory, the authors tested a motivational model to explain the conditions under which rural students formulate their intentions to persist in, versus drop out of, high school. Analyses showed that the provision of autonomy support within classrooms predicted students' self-determined motivation and perceived competence.…

This study examined factors contributing to short-term reunification for 235 children placed in South Australian substitute care from 1998 to 1999. Findings indicated that non-Aboriginal children and those placed because of parental incapacity were significantly more likely to go home, than neglected and Aboriginal children. Detailed profile…

In this intervention study, training was found to increase the quality and extent of participation and accommodation documentation on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) of students with disabilities in three Illinois school districts. Correlations between what was documented on the IEP and what happened on testing day were highly variable.…

A study analyzed reading level and readability of 20 behavior treatment plans developed by certified behavior analysts. Those with higher readability levels had somewhat better treatment outcomes. A second study involving four individuals found that manipulations of reading grade level and readability of behavior treatment plans greatly enhanced…

The long-term employment of 51 moderately mentally retarded clients who were placed into 64 supported employment positions was evaluated relative to 10 training and post-training components in a supported employment training package. Three components differentiated successful from unsuccessful employment: client advocate, collateral behavior, and…

This study explored variables differentiating more and less effective teachers (N=24) of mildly retarded and learning-disabled elementary students. Personal/educational variables proved insignificant. Effective teachers conducted activities in the classroom, made frequent use of teacher questioning, limited independent seatwork (especially silent…

Forty-nine day care center teachers rated the importance of certain behaviors/skills in the successful performance of handicapped young children in day care. Communication skills were rated as the most important, followed in order by independence, social interaction, compliance to rules/routines, and preacademic skills. (JDD)

Describes study that compared the performance of high achieving and low achieving undergraduates on two computer assisted instruction modules, one in which learners were forced to review informational frames following errors and one where the review was optional. Dependent and collateral variables are discussed and criterion referenced tests used…

Major factors beyond a teacher's control that can influence teacher effectiveness are identified as sources of invalidity related to the inference of teacher effectiveness from students' achievement gains. These factors include: (1) student characteristics; (2) school characteristics; (3) test validity; and (4) pretest-posttest design…

Discussion of gender differences in response to instructional technology highlights a study of attitudinal consequences of a Logo programing exercise among primary school children in Edinburgh, Scotland. Attitudinal measures before and after the computer experience are described, and gender differences in interactions at the computer terminal are…

Examined effects of short-term memory, age, and reading ability on the instructional effectiveness of imagery during reading of sentences among fourth and sixth graders, half of whom were instructed to construct images representing sentence meanings. Half were uninstructed. Imagery instructions had a positive effect on learning efficiency among…

Analyzes a sample of over 4,700 orders for library materials at the University of California, Berkeley, in terms of the probability that the material will arrive and the factors that determine arrival. Models to evaluate the book ordering process are presented, and variables that may affect arrival time are discussed. (six references) (Author/LRW)

Presents a research-based model of student persistence. Concludes that high school academic achievement, needs for financial aid and employment, day/evening status, goal commitment, and expected student/college fit have primary effects on persistence, while background characteristics and academic self-confidence have secondary effects. Explains…

Findings suggest a certain amount of discordance in teacher and peer perceptions of children's likability, and an association of discordance with differential perceptions of children's social behaviors. A teacher preference measure used in combination with sociometric measures may provide more reliable assessment of social adjustment than peer…

Discusses problems with formative evaluation of educational materials and examines the slope test when used in a pretest/posttest multiple group (PPMG) design to adjust posttest scores treatment interaction studies. An example is given of the utility of the slope test and analysis of covariance procedure using an educational film about AIDS. (five…