This paper focuses on two likelihood-based indices of person fit, the index "l[subscript z]" and the Snijders's modified index "l[subscript z]*". The first one is commonly used in practical assessment of person fit, although its asymptotic standard normal distribution is not valid when true abilities are replaced by sample…

This paper discusses "Comments," a computer tool developed to study computer support for response to writing. The paper presents two primary theoretical perspectives to support the use of response to writing in learning to write: (1) writing is a social act; and (2) writing is a skill whose acquisition requires more than one reader so…

A North Carolina study found that first-year teachers moved confidently into block scheduling, rated the block highly, and used 11% more time than experienced teachers to manage classroom discipline problems. Teachers attributed their success to instructional pacing, ability to vary instructional strategies, subject area competency, and…

A Teacher Education Program in Curriculum Studies, introduced recently in teacher education institutions in Israel, is described. The reasons for the program, including findings of a survey of curriculum studies in Israeli schools of education are given. A preliminary report on teacher reactions to the program is presented. (Author/MT)

Describes a project in which researchers work with teachers to increase their knowledge of a specific genre of writing and to use the knowledge in response to student work. Finds that few teachers used the feedback response form or scoring rubric provided to them but that teachers used many of the assessment techniques in instructional design and…

A study (n=242) investigated the effectiveness of a simple seven-item scale designed to quantify indices of emotional distress during the rectal-genital phase of a child sexual-abuse examination. The Genital Examination Distress Scale found increased distress was associated with positive physical findings. (CR)

Describes an experimental death awareness workshop based on Kubler-Ross' theory. The effects of the workshop reveal cognitive and emotional changes indicating participants in the workshop to be moving towards an acceptance of death. (Author)

The (British) National Curriculum Council emphasizes the importance of cross-phase curriculum continuity when students pass from primary to secondary learning stages. This article summarizes results of a survey examining how primary-secondary school liaisons handled one cross-curricular theme--economic and industrial understanding--across years…

This article, based on interviews with women who had both been raped and avoided being raped when attacked, examines the situational circumstances under which women were more likely to be raped, and those under which they were more likely to avoid being raped. (Author/MJL)

Provides a qualitative analysis of the Kentucky school-based performance award program at four elementary and two secondary schools. Teachers were motivated to modify teaching approaches to enhance student performance, but seemed to be experiencing high stress levels. Teachers and principals at the six award-winning schools reported attitudes and…

Discusses at-risk students' attitudes toward reading and their varying levels of response to literature. Finds that students' attitudes toward reading improved after one semester of discussion groups. Presents excerpts from classroom discussions. Discusses elements to encourage response. (RS)

Discusses the challenges of designing a Chinese/English Web site in Taiwan for both Chinese- and English-speaking audiences, creating a single, consistent presentation. Explores how the Web-site development team reconciled different audience responses and tackled technological, cultural, and political issues. (SR)

Describes a four-stage model based on cognitive appraisal theory that attempts to specify the precise links between cognitive evaluations of events and resultant discrete emotions. Presents a case study with multicultural group members, which suggests that use of the model may be particularly constructive with these groups. By identifying linkages…

Evaluated the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral approach to stress management for teachers. Results showed the training program significantly reduced stress and anxiety among 128 urban secondary school teachers. Results also indicated decreases in motoric manifestations of anxiety in the classroom as a result of training. (Author/JAC)

Describes interviews with 65 children in Grades 1-5 concerning their understanding/experiences with death and suicide. By third grade, students have an elaborate understanding of suicide; they learn about suicide from television and discussions with other children, but rarely from adults. Level of development of the concept of suicide is related…