Preschoolers are able to distinguish and understand different types of social conflict using the same criteria as adults. The social conflicts discussed are (1) morality; (2) social convention; (3) safety; and (4) institutional rules. (DG)

Presented stories concerning an actor who precipitated negative consequences after having either issued a disclaimer or not to 144 British children, ages 5 to 11. The findings that only 11 year olds recommended reducing punishment for actors issuing disclaimers supported the hypothesis that this behavior appears later. (NL)

Reviews retention research and examines programs that use freshman orientation courses and student leadership development as components in aiding retention. Concludes that overall awareness of university and its resources and integration into academic and social aspects of college life seem to be key factors in student retention. (Author/ABL)

Linnakyla examines definitions of literacy as an object of individual and social development and compares concepts of knowledge and literacy. Gronholm advocates the effectiveness of parents reading aloud to their children for 15 minutes per day in the improvement of children's reading skills. (SK)

Finds that mothers high in responsiveness in the infant's first year have more secure infants and have children who are more likely to use prosocial interaction strategies with peers, are rated by teachers as having fewer school problems, and score higher on the Stanford-Binet. (pcb)

Discusses the relationship of social and educational change. Contends that social change gives impetus to educational change and that these trends should be reflected in the practices of teacher education faculties. Identifies the need for increased professionalism in teaching and the corresponding implications for teacher preparation programs.…

Uses examples from the Schaefer School in Tappan (New York) to illustrate how an elementary school can develop an educational climate that fosters friendship, the key to student socialization. Discusses the following areas: (1) classroom activities; (2) school-wide democratic governance structures; (3) support staff roles; and (4) time scheduling.…

Presents evidence that high-quality early childhood programs can partially offset negative effects of childhood poverty and produce modest but definite benefits in children's education and early adult socioeconomic experience. Contrasts different types of early childhood programs and favors those focusing on child-initiated learning. (RH)

Investigated 60 parents' perceptions of influence of their eldest child's (aged 4, 7, or 10 years) development and the extent to which these perceptions varied as a function of five factors. Cognitive and social development were significant variables for beliefs about influence. (RJC)

The article argues that students with severe intellectual disabilities should attend their local "home school" where they should have an individualized educational program in both regular and special settings, with the necessary resources applied to develop, maintain, and enhance social relationships with nondisabled peers. (Author/DB)

Examines the relationship between the rated sex, aggression, and sexism values of cartoons and their perceived funniness. Results, interpreted by Zillmann's social predisposition theory, indicated response differentiation by sex. (MW)

Assessed the extent to which preferential personal attraction was associated with behavioral similarity among newly acquainted children. Found that "discriminating" children were more behaviorally similar to preferred playmates than nonpreferred playmates, both in terms of cognitive play style and social participation. (AA)

Examined the hypothesis that young children's social behavior in stable groups of peers becomes relationship specific to some extent with increasing group socialization and predicts important developmental outcomes beyond these relationships, such as social self-esteem in middle childhood when children attend different peer groups. The hypothesis…

University researchers developed a survey to assess resources, curriculum development, and inservice needs related to social education in Victoria. Responses from 37 primary schools (21% response rate), indicate significant gaps between policy and practice in many schools, huge differences in confidence concerning curriculum areas, and a strong…

Explores the thoughts and feelings of a group of young adolescent girls on dilemmas of identity, self, and society through reading and discussing "The Diary of Anne Frank." Discusses adolescent females in literature and life, the double standard revisited, the dilemma of being right or being nice, and the challenge of including girls'…