Examines the effect of an unfamiliar peer in a situation requiring a subject's separation from mother in order to play with attractive toys. Observation of 20 children 18 months old and 20 children 30 months old revealed that peer presence facilitated initial separation for both ages, but that age differences in subsequent behaviors existed. (CB)

Evaluated the relationship of demographic, individual, and family relationship variables to criminal activity among juvenile offenders and their siblings. Socialized-aggressive disorder, as rated by the parent(s), the adolescent's age at first arrest, and several family relationship measures were significant predictors of arrest. (JAC)

The Second Language Learning in the Primary School Project was developed to explore ways of providing for the special language needs of children from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The project focused on language skills, first-hand experiences, extensive use of spoken language, and children working together. Examples of this…

Students who use psychoactive drugs for nontherapeutic reasons differ fundamentally from nonusers. Several large-scale longitudinal studies are reviewed and characteristics of drug users are summarized. Predictive factors are discussed. (Author/MT)

Students were found to resist persuasive pressure towards alcohol after completing a course utilizing McGuire's Inoculation Theory. The Inoculation Theory familiarizes students with possible arguments pressuring them to drink and suggests refutations to be used. Details of this theory and techniques of the testing procedure are given. (DF)

The president of the Toledo Federation of Teachers discusses how experienced teachers in that city oversee the professional development of new teachers and provide assistance to veteran colleagues experiencing severe problems in the classroom. He also describes the role played in this plan by the union. (CMG)

Surveyed 596 fifth through seventh graders regarding their cigarette and alcohol behaviors, attitudes, knowledge. Approximately one third of the students were experimental users of these substances. Pro-smoking and pro-drinking attitudes were directly related to use. Knowledge about smoking and drinking were inversely related to use. (JAC)

Investigated whether an association exists between quietness in children and rejection of these children by their peers. Collected data from 1,529 children in grades three through 12. Found a strong tendency on the part of children to reject shy or quiet peers. (PD)

Two explanations for the effect of ability groups on student achievement are discussed. One stresses the importance of peer groups, the other differential instruction. Little evidence was found that achievement differentials in elementary school grouping systems arise from either peer influence or from differential instruction. (Author/IS)

This paper analyzes how the composition of an institution's student body affects performance of that institution's students, examining how average student quality and dispersion in student quality within the student body affects individual students' future earnings. The first section examines two reasons why one's peers would affect future labor…

The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of educating students on the negative aspects of enabling their peers. Enabling is any action taken by a concerned person that removes or softens the effect of a harmful consequence. For this study, 24 students (21 females) who were characterized as "Natural Helper" students at a…

Women in institutions of higher education who deserve special attention in advising situations include those with multiple responsibilities, those in under-represented fields, and reentry women. Factors that can help women be successful in an institutional setting are a supportive family and informal peer support groups. Stressors for women seem…

Using a journal format, this book invites teens to examine their lives and relationships with family, friends, classmates, and new acquaintances. The book focuses on physical, emotional, and sexual boundaries to relationships and uses stories of other teens to illustrate how personal space and feelings can be either respected or violated in…

Focusing on the expectations of schools, teachers, parents, peers, and society for the gifted and talented, the author proposes curriculum design, gives guidelines for parent-teacher conferences, outlines the benefits of peer instruction, and suggests ways that parents and society can identify talented students and enrich their education. (SK)

The importance of parental influence on the development of adolescents' attitudes and knowledge about sex and their sexual behavior is reviewed along with information about peer group influence. Ways in which families can play a positive role in their children's sex education are discussed. Open communication is stressed. (PP)