Forty-seven elementary and middle school students, most with learning disabilities, used a computer-assisted instruction program which rapidly presented seven pieces of information or one which cumulatively presented smaller information "chunks." Both groups worked to mastery level successfully, but the cumulative group spent one-third…

This case study describes a project to design a performance support system that incorporated an electronic performance tool, computer-based training, and paper-based deliverables that resulted in lower development costs and improved job performance. Highlights include audience analyses, cost analysis, creative resource allocation, and feedback…

A study retrospectively examined case notes and records of 12 families in which the mother had a documented intellectual disability, who were brought to court on child protection grounds. Findings indicate that the cumulative weight of stressful emotional, physical, and social factors, in combination with limited intellect, precipitated a crisis…

This study investigated influences on achievement motivation with nine rural, black, female high-school honor graduates. Participants reported and exhibited adaptive-achievement-motivation patterns that were mastery-oriented. Being black was a significant factor that was manifested though the goal of disproving incompetence and peer support that…

Three experiments demonstrated that increasing the length of a mobile serial list impaired 6-month olds' memory for serial order. Findings indicated that the primacy effect was absent on a 24-hour delayed recognition test and was exhibited on a reactivation test, adding to growing evidence that young infants possess two functionally distinct…

Explores three themes identified in the articles of this special issue: (1) assessing school-based rewards; (2) envisioning other promising possibilities; and (3) evaluating policy as well as people. Illustrates the power and limits of policy initiatives, especially in the area of monetary incentives or sanctions as vehicles for enhancing school…

A study examined the effectiveness of an instruction-support team (IST) process to provide prereferral assessment and intervention for 492 at-risk students in Pennsylvania. Results indicated that students supported by IST had greater levels of academic performance only when their schools implemented the IST process to a high degree. (Author/CR)

A study used the Questions about Behavior Function Scale to examine the functions of five severe problem behaviors (self-injurious behavior, aggression, stereotypies, pica, and rumination) in 417 institutionalized persons with mental retardation. The most common function for all behaviors except aggression was nonsocial. Aggression was maintained…

A study investigated the effect of paternal presence or absence on the social-emotional, language, and academic outcomes of 22 children with hearing impairments (ages 43 to 83 months). Children whose fathers were present had significantly better academic and language outcomes than those without a father present. (Author/CR)

Examines mistakes in following instructions in an electronics factory. Explores the significance of the mistakes and a range of explanations for why they occur. Offers an expansive definition of what it means to be a literate, skills-rich worker, and urges vigilance against the tendency in both schools and workplaces to label and mislabel. (SC)

Reviews literature on the various dimensions of culture to assess the implications for student learning and the development of culturally responsive assessments. Uses data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 to examine the cultural context in which students live as a basis for understanding context effects on academic…

Meta-analysis was used to review 56 programs designed to promote family wellness and prevent child maltreatment to determine program effectiveness and identify positive factors. Intensive family preservation programs with high levels of participant involvement, an empowerment/strengths-based approach, and a component of social support had higher…

This article examines the role of school climate in guiding programs designed to reduce academic failure and antisocial behavior among students defined as "at risk". Suggestions are offered for improving such educational programs in a manner consistent with research on school climate and effective schools. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This article offers a way to build accountability by utilizing outcome relevant information along with outcomes to ensure relevance of evaluation results. It describes a process that incorporates use of logic models for comparing child, family, and community context for the program, the service delivery strategies, and expected outcomes. (Contains…

This study examined effects of guided notes on the academic performance of seven adolescent males with learning and behavior problems, who were in a medium-security juvenile detention center. The students' academic performance improved and six of the seven students reported they preferred using guided notes. (Contains references.) (DB)