Measures of achievement motivation, scholastic performance, role conflict, and popularity were obtained for second and fifth graders. A positive relationship between achievement motivation and scholastic performance was found for upper graders with low role conflict and upper graders high in sociometric status. Findings for second graders were…

From a sociopsychological perspective, this paper examines two models of conformity, termed inner-directed and other-directed, in the sport subculture of the American social structure. Trends and patterns are identified with regard to the behavior of both sports participants and spectators. (DS)

Key factors of the cultural deprivation hypothesis are critically analyzed in this article. The analysis suggests that cultural deprivation theories fall short of their assertion that social class and academic achievement are closely related. (Author/EB)

A study, with a sample of nearly 700 students in grades 9, 10, and 11 at seven schools, reveals the influence of such variables as parents, friends, counselors, teachers, written information, and long- and short-term goals on the class scheduling process. (Author/MLF)

Maintaining that adventure based programs serving delinquent populations are proliferating, the author identifies five adventure education properties which impel a delinquent to rearrange his destructive ways: gamelike atmosphere; organization of participants into a primary peer group; use of the outdoors; nature of the problems posed; and…

Examined demographic and psychosocial factors associated with drug use of fifth through eighth grade students (N=873). Nearly 28 percent of the students surveyed reported using cigarettes, alcohol or marijuana in the preceding four months. Associations with drug using peers had twice as much influence on drug use as the adolescent's own favorable…

Graduate community health students were educated about the dangers of rubella and then commissioned to teach other college students on the importance of immunizations. Results are discussed. (DF)

Analyzed data on 148 convicted intoxicated drivers to determine whether characteristics of intoxicated drivers influence likelihood that other people would attempt to dissuade them from driving. Results indicated that women, older people, fearful or anxious people, and people seriously impaired by alcohol were more likely than others to have…

Asserts that teaching English as a second language (ESL) to children involves setting up social conditions that promote purposeful use of English. Suggests that peer teaching is one way to create a successful language learning environment. (MM)

Developing cooperative structures such as cooperative learning in classrooms, collegial teacher support groups, and collegial administrative relationships within the district will contribute to school effectiveness. Necessary elements are positive interdependence, face-to-face interaction, individual accountability, social skills, and group…

In Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, a Principals' Instructional Leadership Development Project has brought schools closer together and institutionalized a means for principals' development. Principals are exhibiting their leadership by extending their focus from their own schools to educational outcomes in general. (MLF)

Principals in a Pennsylvania district are voluntarily observing one another in order to improve their supervisory skills. Two principals jointly observe a teacher, compare their notes, label the data, conduct the teacher postconference, and then hold the principal postconference. (MLF)

Examines status and gender role explanations of the tendency for women to conform more than men in group pressure settings. Analysis of age and sex differences revealed that older females were significantly more conforming than older males when under surveillance and when subjects formed impressions of group members' likability. Among younger…

A social-learning model was tested for its ability to explain why adolescents drive under the influence of alcohol and ride with drinking drivers. The study demonstrates that if adolescent drinking and driving is to be prevented, careful attention must be prevented, careful attention must be paid to ways that it is learned and maintained.…

Describes the powerful force that peer relationships exert on a child. Focuses on four aspects of development in which children's friendships predominate: finding out how to deal with aggression; learning about sex; developing moral standards; and finding emotional security. Discusses when and how adults should intervene in a child's…