The importance of item difficulty (equated delta) was explored as a predictor of differential item functioning of Black versus White examinees for 4 verbal item types using 13 Graduate Record Examination forms and 11 Scholastic Aptitude Test forms. Several significant racial differences were found. (TJH)

A study investigated the predictive capacity of (1) the scores on Australian standardized tests, taken on leaving high school and used as medical school entrance criterion, (2) academic subjects taken in the last year of secondary school, (3) gender, and (4) public vs. private schooling. Subjects and test scores correlated with performance. (MSE)

A study of 171 graduates of medical informatics training programs found that the status of the institution (public or private), trainee's entry degree, and productivity of program faculty were enough to correctly classify most of the students who chose academic vs. nonacademic careers in the field. (Author/MSE)

Seven papers present international perspectives on the relationship between education and child development. Conclusions reached in research on developmental genetics, cognitive development, and classroom instruction are considered, characterizing the current state of knowledge with respect to the influence of education on achievement outcomes.…

The effects of using recommended data collection procedures on median recommended test standards, variability of recommended test standards, and reliability of recommended standards for 7 subtests of the National Teacher Examinations Communications Skills and General Knowledge Tests were explored, using 236 evaluators (75 public school teachers…

Reviews the warning signs of adolescent suicidal behavior and the interview methods that are appropriate for counselors to use in diagnosing suicidal tendencies in adolescents. Reviews questions counselors might ask to explore suicidal potentiality. (TE)

The roles of cognitive, perceptual, visual-motor, behavioral, achievement, and demographic factors in nonpromotion at kindergarten were examined for 34 nonpromoted and 34 promoted kindergarten children. Retained children were more likely to be young, male, and of lower socioeconomic status. Implications for interventions to assist retained…

A study, involving 80 Israeli junior high mathematics classrooms, sought to establish some of the variables related to the classroom learning environment, with emphasis on teacher credentials. Results indicate that observed teaching effectiveness was the most powerful and most consistent predictor of the mathematics classroom learning environment.…

Examines the degree to which a set of neuropsychological, organismic, school achievement, and ethnic identity variables correlated with Bannatyne pattern groupings for a selected sample of 100 right-handed Black 12- and 13-year olds. Finds a possible relationship between Bannatyne pattern categories, gender, and certain types of brain functions.…

Used a data analytic strategy that was novel to the M-space literature to examine the mental capacity prerequisites of social-cognitive development of 99 students in grades one, three, and five. Used a structural equations analysis to determine whether M-power was a significant predictor of role-taking development. (RH)

Describes a microcomputer-based simulation for educating teachers in classroom planning and decision-making. The conversion of a card-based simulation to microcomputers is discussed; variables involved in preinstructional decisions, classroom objectives, and managing student behavior are described; and teachers' observed policies are compared with…

Although child or teenage drug use is an individual behavior, it is embedded in a sociocultural context that strongly determines its character and manifestations. Examines drug use and abuse from a multidimensional perspective that includes aspects of the stimulus, organism, response, and consequences. Discusses epidemiology, etiology, prevention,…

Examines variables used to predict the academic success or failure of college football players. Valid predictors include the following: (1) high school grades; (2) repeating a year in school; (3) feelings towards school; (4) discipline history; (5) mother's education; and (6) high school background. (FMW)

Examines factors that are predictors of parental mediation and rulemaking for adolescent use of videocassette recorders (VCRs) and television. A study is described that explored the relationship of socio-demographic family patterns, media exposure, and access factors related to mediation among seventh and tenth graders, and results are compared…

Describes study that examined text density levels as a design variable in print and computer-based instructional presentations. The six treatment groups are explained, including low density, high density, and learner controlled density; attitude surveys and achievement posttests are described; and implications of the findings for instructional…