Used two approaches to examine mothers', adolescents', and observers' discrepancies in perceptions of family interaction in rural, working-class families. Results using the divergent-realities approach support a developmental lifespan perspective positing that developmental tasks influence perception. Results using perceived-inequalities approach…

The co-director of a small independent school describes Girls' Class, which she created in order to have a special time together with the girls in grades 6 through 8. The class provides guidance and celebrates spirituality and the beginning of menses for the young women. To end the class, each person says a positive self-affirmation and gives…

Examines dissertation requirements and assessment procedures in 10 environment-related undergraduate and postgraduate programs using a "framework" approach. Hypothesizes that each level should reveal differences in development of deep thought. Finds that each dissertation occupies a distinct place along a progressive development of a…

Presents the autonomous-learner model developed by George Betts and the Renzulli model as possible ways to facilitate creative thinking and personal development in Japanese students, whose culture typically emphasizes memorization. Concludes that developing the mindset to critically question learning will increase students' learning abilities and…

Defines four key aspects of a new paradigm of learning: (1) the participatory mind; (2) nature, evolution, and learning; (3) the soul and learning; and (4) transformation. Argues that if students are to believe that what they are taught is worthwhile, they must be given the power to transform. Contains 23 references. (WRM)

Identifies and explains the metaphors of carnation and reincarnation that provide a visual portrayal of sharing, teaching, and practicing leadership for art educators. Highlights other metaphors in which women holding leadership roles are discussed. Conveys the importance of community and mentors in the creation of leaders. (CMK)

Discusses hierarchical complexity of tasks as a way of conceptualizing information in terms of the power required to complete a task, and its implications for developmental psychology and information science. Provides an analytic solution to the definition of developmental stages and allows for the possibility within the science of scaling the…

Interviews with rural women active in grassroots community organizations in Appalachia revealed that the consequences of women's participation included learning new skills, developing communication skills, gaining understanding of their lives, and setting new educational or vocational goals. Aspects of organizational environment that supported the…

Asks what happens when budget and organizational restrictions deny students access to books in their school and public libraries. Suggests that without books, young people are missing the places where they find the sanctuary, direction, discovery, and knowledge that literature offers. Argues that information is about data; literature is about…

Observed mothers with their infants at 6, 12, and 24 months of age to determine mothers' warm responsiveness and restrictiveness and their relationship to developing independence of children. Found that optimal outcomes were related to older mothers with higher socioeconomic status, and more child-centered childrearing attitudes. (LBT)

Two books by and about American Indians demonstrate the positive impact of warm and caring relationships between elders and youth. Elders in these stories convey to children important lessons about life, death, traditions, heritage, and family; positively affect the identity development and emotional maturity of the adolescent protagonists; and…

Prevelance of self-reported victimization was found to be high, both while youth were in and out of school. Males and younger students reported higher rates of victimization. Males and 9th grade students were more likely to report engaging in delinquent behaviors. Students who report moderate/high levels of delinquency were more likely to report…

This article describes experiences of 40 children (ages 3-15) with Asperger syndrome. It finds both variability and consistency in the characteristics of this disorder over time and during specific developmental stages. Results indicate that social skills deficits were variable but remained the greatest challenge for these intellectually bright…

Posits that racial socialization and racial identity protect urban African American adolescents against some of the harmful effects of a discriminatory environment. These factors are hypothesized to influence academic achievement - an indicator of resiliency that has been used in many studies. Provides a theoretical framework that combines…

Four groups of British primary school special education teachers (total N=30) met to identify and discuss the special education needs books that most influenced their work. The 47 books identified indicate that these practitioners value extending their knowledge base by reading both theoretical and practice-based books. (Contains 11 references and…