Determinants of alcohol, cigarette, marijuana, and/or crack use were assessed in 2,078 fourth graders and 1,082 fifth graders (predominantly African-American urban). Patterns suggest that peer behaviors and attitudes are more influential for socially censored behaviors than for more socially approved behaviors. Perception of friends' behaviors is…

Elementary school teachers (n=319) from 35 public, private, parochial, coeducational, and single-sex schools in Trinidad and Tobago were questioned about how they teach moral education and their moral educational objectives. Reports that teachers (1) seldom use specific curricula; (2) feel responsible for students' moral education; and (3) choose…

Chapter three ("Development of the Theory of Upbringing and Instruction in the Period of Completing the Socialist Reconstruction of the National Economy and the Building of Socialism in the USSR) from Ele Monoszon's "The Establishment and Development of Soviet Pedagogy" is excerpted. Examines the issue of Communist child…

Discusses general problems of educational pluralism in the nations of central and eastern Europe. Asserts that, contrary to many western Europeans, the nations of central and eastern Europe are very different from one another in politics, economics, and education. Reviews developments in Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary. (CFR)

Two case studies address the relationship between dual labor markets and rural schools, particularly the demographic transformation of rural school districts that host meatpacking plants that recruit immigrant workers. These schools have experienced an increase in non- and limited-English-speaking students. Employee turnover is reflected in school…

Reviews peer-led substance-abuse prevention programs for middle school youth to determine whether they are efficacious in minimizing substance use. A meta-analysis of 120 studies examined program features and effectiveness. Results indicated that interactive peer interventions for middle school students were statistically superior to…

Argues that complex forces (new delivery technologies, changing demographics, emergence of corporate universities, global economy) have created a new, competitive landscape for higher education that forces institutions to think methodically about how to respond. A framework for college planning, incorporating three critical components, is…

Reports a study of pay equity among both academic and nonacademic staff at 18 Australian universities. Addresses topics including employment level, tenure (faculty), age differences, years in higher education, family needs, employment qualifications, career progression, job content, and research productivity (faculty). (MSE)

Describes the case of a Harvard University (Massachusetts) faculty member denied tenure, focusing on the process by which tenure and promotion are decided behind closed doors, the nature and criteria for faculty evaluation for tenure, non-disclosure of tenure-committee membership, and principles of due process in this case. (MSE)

Examines the relationship of background, individual, and family influences on dyadic adjustment, using an ecological perspective. Data from 102 married couples were used. Age at marriage for husbands, emotional health for wives, and number of marriage and family problems as well as family life satisfaction for both were related to dyadic…

Describes a preschool teacher's transition from a traditional kindergarten to a multi-age, multi-year (looping) program. Lists common complaints heard from more-traditional teachers receiving children from more-developmentally appropriate classrooms. Explains the importance of using whole language with quality children's books for Spanish-speaking…

A chapter of a serialized book refutes the contention that attention-deficit disorder (ADD) is a genetically caused neurological disorder. It argues that ADD arises from the accumulation of risk factors in a child's life, such as poverty, father absence, environmental degradation, demise of extended families, and dysfunctional childrearing, which…

Summarizes recent ERIC documents and journal articles discussing teachers' problems, such as stress and burnout, that are related to factors such as work overload and expanded, ambiguous, or conflicted teaching roles. (KB)

Examined dimensions and patterns of parenting among 193 low-income African American single mothers with preschoolers. Identified four parenting patterns (aggravated but nurturant, cognitively stimulating, patient and nurturant, and low nurturance). Found that maternal well-being and sociodemographic characteristics accounted for 93 percent of…

Investigated preservice teachers' understandings of their own and their students' cultural backgrounds, examining how they integrated those understandings into literacy instruction. The ABC model (autobiographies, biographies of students, cross-cultural analysis, analysis of cultural differences, and classroom practices) helped stimulate students…