This qualitative longitudinal investigation examined why a home visiting program was not more effective. Findings indicated that home visits had a consistent structure and that home visitors emphasized their social support role, placing little emphasis on changing parenting behavior. It was suggested that the program's flawed theory of change,…

Examines how sensory integration disorders contribute to behavioral difficulties in young children and how considering the neurological underpinnings to behavior problems can help to clarify their origins and lead to obtaining appropriate and effective help. Lists signs of sensory integration disorders. Delineates techniques to use when a child…

This study examined two upper-elementary teachers' learning through use of potentially educative mathematics curricular materials without additional professional development. Findings indicated that curricular materials can be an effective professional development tool for some teachers. One teacher's instructional focus and rationale for…

In the Network of Performance Schools, 75 British Columbia schools conduct action research on school improvement. Among their findings: a sense of identity around a common goal was key to successful networking, assessment information generated from classroom work provided meaningful data and supported school learning communities, and network…

Female college students and professors at previously all-male institutions find that little has been done to eradicate age-old traditions, despite 20 years of coeducation. Men still cling fast to all-male secret societies and fraternities. Women are still struggling to establish a feeling of academic and social belonging. (MSE)

Suggests strategies for reviving small rural communities. Discusses community development meetings, developing effective leadership, and involving youth and women. Discusses importance of development programs, effective media, good educational systems, and other community institutions. Emphasizes important role of local youth programs, schools,…

Assesses student belief and involvement in 10 paranormal phenomena. Findings show 99 percent of the sample expressed belief in at least one. Students expressing these beliefs achieved significantly lower course grades. Discusses instructor's role in combating unfounded beliefs and fostering critical thinking. (NL)

Argues history and philosophy of education, comparative education, and pedagogy are of enormous importance to basic teacher training and preparation programs. Describes the state of educational research in Spain that is undergoing rapid expansion. Claims comparative education is an effective means of improving world education systems. (NL)

A case study of an organization development intervention in a large New York State school district describes to staff developers the complex process of discovering and responding to organizational needs. The discussion focuses on understanding the problem; frameworks for diagnosis and intervention; and implementing the intervention strategy.…

General and specific strategies useful in facilitating an integrated educational environment for children with severe disabilities are presented. Strategies include, among others, identifying and facilitating natural supports, using a participation approach, demonstrating success locally, recruiting collaborators, communicating with all members of…

Compared effects of a training workshop on mental health professionals' (N=21) attitudes toward homosexuality and counseling behavior with effects of no intervention on comparison counselor trainee college students (N=31). Found treated subjects improved significantly more than comparison subjects on all measures of homosexual/lesbian counseling…

Explores impact of national policies affecting income maintenance, health, transportation, education, employment, and housing of chronically mentally ill people in rural areas. Suggests policies rendered deinstitutionalization and rural community placement difficult. Reveals interlocking policy environment that warrants widening of mental health…

Four articles report ideas for improving fund-raising techniques, beginning new initiatives, and maintaining donation momentum. They are: "At Centre Stage" (Shawn Lyons); "By Hook or By Crook" (Sherwood C. Haskins, Jr.); "Small Miracles" (C. Jeffery Wahlstrom); and "The Price of Participation" (Margaret A.…

Organizational culture is difficult to change, but the norms that exist are the easiest elements to identify and change. Even if changing the norms is not desirable, it is essential to understand and articulate them. A change in cultural norms is communicated through new expectations, different language, and new behaviors. (MSE)

In Rumania, currently, change is rapid at the level of social doctrine because the people never really accepted Communism. However, at the level of cultural and academic life, fundamental changes will be slower. Content, methods, goals, and teachers of the universities will have to be renewed and reoriented. (MSE)