A fourth grade teacher examines the ever-changing and developing student teacher relationship. As students move on each year, past teachers still feel some degree of responsibility, and students learn about changing relationships. (SM)

The community practice model illustrates how goals of participation, empowerment, cooperation, and institutionalization are affected by inputs from human resources, program characteristics, finances, social costs, and policy requirements within the context of the social, economic, and political structure; population diversity; physical…

This prospective study of 17 high-functioning residentially treated adolescents with autism found that cognitive shifting, as measured by card sorting tests, was the only significant factor in predicting progress in social understanding. (Author/JDD)

Conducted study as part of longitudinal research project designed to discover more about the relations between religious involvement and mental health. Collected data through semistructured interviews and a psychological test battery from 56 religious young adults in a 3-year followup. Revealed lack of evidence of link between orthodox religiosity…

Describes what goes on in teenage hangouts and why hangouts are important in providing a social meeting place for teenagers. Discusses physical features that make hangouts attractive, how small communities can effectively manage teenage hangouts, and how teenage hangouts encourage social development including developing a sense of community. (LP)

Considers the role of the essential functions of adult education: economic and social/moral development. Describes the implementation of these functions in Chinese history. (SK)

Examined patterns of socio-cognitive growth among 23 Anglo-American and 23 Chicano college students. Results indicated that patterns for the two groups differed. Although groups were similar in epistemic performance levels, factors associated with performance levels of Anglo-American students were unrelated to performance levels of Chicano…

Although multicultural education is helpful for developing perspectives of various traditions, the significance of individuality should not be overshadowed. Equal time should be given to individual development, internal locus of control, and nurturance of stable, consolidated personality. (SK)

A three-year longitudinal study compared children exposed to somewhat more musical influences with those exposed to little singing or music in nursery school settings. Findings indicated that the experimental group exceeded control group in frequency of vocalizations, rhythmic movements, initiations of social contact, and positive emotional…

A study of 22 high-functioning children with autism (ages 7 to 14) and 19 typical children investigated whether cognitive ability would affect performance on a theory-of-mind task. Results found an association between cognitive ability and performance on a second-order false-belief task in the children with autism. (CR)

Cultures include a combination of shared and contested understandings. Although individuals may identify with their culture, they are also critical of practices judged unfair. Cultural practices that privilege one group and restrict the practices of another are sources of conflict and change. (Author)

This study compared the social skills of 36 adults, all with profound mental retardation and 12 with autism and 12 with pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS). Autistic subjects differed significantly from the other two groups and the PDDNOS group demonstrated better nonverbal social skills than the autism group but not…

Explores how fairy tales address socio-emotional challenges children face during their socialization. Applies a structural theory of fairy tales to three literary versions of the Cinderella story. Suggests that the combination of simplicity of form and complexity of content makes the fairy tale a powerful tool for perception of and reflection on…

In a New York City community school, music therapy addresses the following social and emotional developmental goals: participation, interaction, relationships, communication, expression, space sharing, problem solving, self-esteem, respect, and awareness. (SK)

Describes the methods, materials, and process of a curriculum and group work model that provides an alternative approach for addressing academic and social skills developments. Provides a theoretical framework, including baseline data, an overview of learning theory, and a brief cultural history. The group itself focused on members' strengths.…