The self-concepts of 508 gifted students in grades 5-10 who participated in 3 summer residential programs were examined. Self-concept scores across all grade levels and programs were significantly higher at the end of the programs, compared to the beginning. In one program the scores of sixth-grade boys declined somewhat. (Author/JDD)

Follow-up testing of 110 children with cognitive and/or language delays who had participated (when ages 3-7) in early intervention programs based on either direct instruction or mediated learning principles found few differential effects by the second year post-intervention, though the overall benefits of early intervention appeared to continue.…

Nine teachers in programs serving school-aged children or adults with severe disabilities received training on applying rules in data-based instructional decisions. After one-two years of implementation, the teachers' decision making and the effect of these decisions on student progress were evaluated. Some support was found for the benefit of…

Argues that theater students must be encouraged to keep competition in perspective. Points out that too often program growth and support are dependent upon the number of honors that participants receive. Emphasizes that competition should be engaged in for its positive learning potential or should be abandoned as a student activity. (KO)

Profiles the Texas School Teacher Exchange Program (STEP) and presents research results evaluating its effectiveness. Respondents rated statements about the program on a Likert scale. Results showed conclusively that the program is valued highly by the participants with few reservations. (MJP)

Fund-raising auctions and related dinners produced by a private school, a community college, and a state university alumni association are described. Profiles include details of location, budget, proceeds, and reasons the events were successful. (MSE)

An economic impact study of Ohio's public universities and medical schools provides documentation that state appropriations yield financial returns higher than virtually any alternative use of state funds, in the form of economic growth and increased opportunity for financial security. Some significant findings of the report are summarized here.…

The Utah Elementary Integration Model places students with severe disabilities in neighborhood schools that provide supported integration in age-appropriate grade-level homerooms, peer-referenced and community-referenced curriculum, a transdisciplinary team approach, and data-based training in natural settings. Twenty-seven participants achieved…

A study investigated the attitudes of 111 college deans toward marketing in higher education, especially as they relate to the deans' academic fields (pure vs. applied). Results indicated no significant differences between the groups' perceptions and that, in general, deans support marketing but not that marketing improves educational quality.…

Data management challenges at the Pennsylvania State University are discussed, including providing user access to data, developing a classification system for data elements, eliminating the manual process for creating tailored user views, and developing data dictionary user enhancements. Solutions are provided to give insight into problem solving.…

Sixth grade students tutored four moderately mentally handicapped elementary students in mathematics. Results indicated increased math skills. Teachers rated the program positively and reported increased academic and/or social achievement among subjects. Tutors and tutees reported positive attitudes toward each other. A two-year follow-up study…

An experimental literary contest in Germany has been highly successful in instructing and encouraging students of French as a second language to write their own short stories. Teachers begin with a key phrase and use it to generate ideas for later small-group and paired writing and interactive comprehension exercises. (MSE)

The McMaster University (Canada) undergraduate medical program participated in a nine-school self-study of clinical evaluation. Comparison of top-ranked problems found lack of transmission of evaluative information from one clerkship unit to subsequent ones to be a common problem. Faculty unwillingness to record negative evaluations was exclusive…

A family-focused intervention model was implemented with 16 families having young children (birth to 3 years) with moderate or severe disabilities. Individualized Family Service Plans were formulated and implemented, resulting in high levels of parental satisfaction, accelerated rates of progress by the children, and acquisition of functional…

Women (n=97) identified as at risk for engaging in child abuse were referred to the Child Parent Enrichment Project (CPEP) during or just after pregnancy. CPEP services involve home visits and linkage to community resources. No advantages on self-report measures or child abuse reports were found for the CPEP group compared to a control group. (DB)