Examined parental factors correlated with developmental outcomes among 60 Mexican American migrant farmworker children. Found that maternal parenting style accounted for a significant amount of the variance in child behavior problems reported by the mothers, whereas maternal social support helped to explain the variance in peer acceptance reported…

Reports on a longitudinal study about social development of approximately 250 German primary school students. Finds that student interaction with peers is the most significant social influence during this period. Describes differences in the ways that boys and girls view social interaction with their classmates. (CFR)

Suggests new directions in parent involvement emerging in school districts across the country, identifying and analyzing 18 recently developed programs or reforms emphasizing effective parental involvement. Ten programs help parents support children's development, and eight define parent involvement as a central focus of school improvement or…

Examines traditional functions that the family has performed and describes what happens when sizable numbers of families do not fulfill these functions. Presents data on the scope and significance of childhood poverty and declining academic achievement. Explores implications for public policy of links between family change and child development.…

A multimethod study of the service ethic among over 400 candidates for secondary education certificates shows service aims to be potent factors in attracting traditional college-age students to teaching. Interview data suggest that students interpret the service ethic chiefly in terms of promoting student academic and personal interest. (SLD)

Polish and Finnish high school students (n=352) from academic and vocational tracks reported on the future planning they did in different contexts and completed measures of self-esteem and control over the future. Findings suggest that future planning reflects general developmental patterns in both countries, while self-evaluation reflects…

Describes a longitudinal investigation designed to study emotional disorders over the course of adolescence in children of depressed parents (beginning in sixth grade). The "Development of Depression" project integrates family processes, cognitions, and life events to examine the mechanisms leading to depressive symptoms and disorders.…

Discusses why art activities are an important part of a child's development. Cites reasons open-ended art activities have a place in early childhood programs, including: children love them; art materials provide hands-on, sensory experiences; art provides an outlet for the innate creativity of children, allowing them opportunities for unique…

This article describes the Kaufman Survey of Early Academic and Language Skills, an assessment of receptive and expressive language skills, pre-academic skills, and articulation of children ages 3 through 6. Three subtests assess vocabulary, numbers, letters and words, and articulation. Its administration, standardization, reliability, and…

This article describes the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement, an individually administered measure of the school achievement of children ages 6 to 18 years. The normative update extended the age range to include examinees from 19 to 22 years. Its administration, standardization, reliability, and validity are discussed. (Contains references.)…

Examined how maternal education, economic conditions, and instrumental support influenced maternal psychological functioning, parenting, and child development among single Black mothers. Found that maternal education positively related to earnings, which, with instrumental support, negatively related to financial strain. Financial strain related…

Background: The aim of the study was to clarify the developmental risk associated with hyperactive behaviour in girls in a longitudinal epidemiological design. Methods: This was investigated in a follow-up study of girls who were identified by parent and teacher ratings in a large community survey of 6- and 7-year-olds as showing pervasive…

Background: The behaviour of children raised in institutional care in their early years is typified by heightened levels of inattention and overactivity irrespective of the quality of the care. There is some evidence that this behaviour may be specifically associated with forms of attachment disorder behaviours, but to date studies have been…

Pathways to Prevention is a developmental prevention project focused on the transition to school in a disadvantaged multicultural urban area in Queensland. The project incorporates two elements: The Preschool Intervention Program (PIP) promotes communication and social skills related to school success; and the Family Independence Program (FIP)…

The relationship between less than optimal parenting styles, child transgressions and maternal depression were examined. It was predicted that variations in parenting styles would predict maternal depression over and above child transgressions. The present study involved approximately 68 children, their mothers and their preschool teachers.…