Children who start school with strong language skills initiate a trajectory of academic success, while children with weaker skills are likely to struggle. Research has demonstrated that media and parent-child interactions, both characteristics of the home literacy environment, influence children's language skills. Using a national sample of…

Reevaluation of published research on racial bias in criminal sentencing, and data on execution rates (1930-67) and death sentencing rates (1967-78), contradict a hypothesis of overt discrimination against Black defendants. One possible explanation of relatively lenient sentencing of Black defendants is the devalued status of Black crime victims.…

To better understand what is known about the association between childhood asthma, school attendance, and academic outcomes, the authors reviewed published studies investigating this topic. Tables with brief descriptions of each study's research methodology and outcomes are included. Research reveals evidence that rates of absenteeism are higher…

Performance theorist Herbert Blau's "The Audience" (Baltimore and London, Johns Hopkins Press, 1990) is an important yet neglected theoretical text on theatre audience. Deconstructive, dense and allusive in nature, Blau's text creates a real challenge for his reader. This paper presents a study of "The Audience" employing what I am calling…

Presents statistical data on the production and placement rates of Ph.D.'s in the field of languages and literature. Points out that the decline in production, although differing greatly among disciplines, has responded to the pressures of the academic job market, but has not improved the survivors' employment prospects. (MES)

Recently, investigators have begun to pay increasing attention to the role of teachers' domain-specific knowledge in the area of reading, and its implications for both classroom practice and student learning. The aims of the present study were to assess kindergarten to third grade teachers' actual and perceived reading related subject matter…

Describes a study, conducted at the University of Michigan, that used two different computer-assisted instruction approaches--a linear, tutor program and a simulated library reference situation--with library school students to test learning effectiveness. Report includes 21 data tables, an interview schedule, and sample instructional materials…

Analyzes the changes in the ratio of part-time to full-time faculty in the community colleges from 1972-73 to 1976-77. Includes a literature review, tables illustrating regional ratios, and a discussion of the implications of the change from part-time faculty comprising 40 percent of instructional staff in 1972-73 to 56 percent in 1976-77. (DD)

Using data from federal surveys, the colleges and universities conferring the largest number of degrees on students of color are ranked. Tables include total minority degrees (bachelor's and associate) awarded; individual minority groups (African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans); and individual disciplines (life sciences, business…