Evaluates the preventive effect of an after-school culturally-based arts program with low-income urban children. The specific objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in adaptive functioning and in problem behaviors for program participants. Main findings indicated that the participating children experienced an increase in self-esteem,…

Discusses current constraints on Chicano Studies programs: limited Chicano enrollment, poor retention and graduation rates, scarce Chicano faculty, and weak faculty support for Affirmative Action. Reports on operations of 38 Chicano Studies programs and their responses to these problems. Contains 20 references and 13 tables. (SV)

Overviews the philosophy and theory of camp experiences and discusses the special benefits of camps, including experiences that can lead to significant life-changing outcomes, sound educational goals, a sense of psychological and physical safety, and helping children to deal with social problems such as the degradation of the environment and human…

Citing the signaling and charged use distinction, examines federal expectations and need for evaluation data and extent of local capabilities to meet those expectations when secondary/transition model demonstration projects, funded by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, were obligated to improve amount, quality, and use of…

A follow-up study examined two programs intended to prevent child sexual abuse: (1) Protective Behaviors (Australia), which develops assertiveness skills to empower children; and (2) Keeping Ourselves Safe (New Zealand), which uses "What if..." problem-solving exercises. Revealed the importance of providing a school-based program that is…

Twenty-four gifted girls in grades 4-7 in 3 rural school districts received a mathematics intervention program including problem-solving activities, math-related career options, and self-esteem issues. Pretest and posttest scores indicated that the program effectively changed the girls' attitudes toward mathematics. (Author/JDD)

Defines literacy needs of immigrants in Canada, using personal stories to illustrate the destructive effect literacy problems have on people perceived to lack literacy skills. Questions are raised about implications for Canadian society as a whole and about the effectiveness of its English-as-a-Second-Language programs. (LB)

Examined impact of a 5-week parent education course on parent-reported behavior of children whose parents were randomly assigned to parent education group or control group. Found that parent education did not affect boys' behavior change; younger boys showed more improvement than older. Parent education was associated with improved girls'…

Examines the existing research on multiculturalism in general teacher education and special education teacher preparation programs. Results find that a significant degree of research on multicultural teacher education has been narrow in scope and has utilized a pre/post test design to measure student growth. (Author/CR)

Although second- and third-year evaluations of California's K-3 class-size reduction program show modest achievement gains, these improvements have had large costs. Interdistrict inequities have been exacerbated as the teacher work force increased 38 percent, qualifications dropped, and implementation costs soared. Recommendations are discussed.…

This study evaluated a social skills training program with 18 deaf children (ages 9 to 13) in mainstream settings in three elementary schools in the Canary Islands. It found the intervention improved students' social problem solving skills and their assertive skills. However, no significant differences in social or academic integration as judged…

This article reviews the psychopharmacological treatment of aggression, mood disturbances, and self-injurious behavior in persons with autistic disorder. It highlights the use of dopaminergic drugs, serotonergic drugs, opioidergic drugs, adrenergic drugs, thymoleptic drugs, and glutamatergic drugs for their potential utility in treating…

Investigated student and cooperating teachers' experiences within traditional and Professional Development School (PDS) programs, analyzing their attitudes regarding problems, benefits, and program components. Participants encountered similar problems. Differences emerged in how programs provided support and guidance. Program features contributed…

Describes development of an Experimental Astronomy Curriculum or Thinking Journey, based on a combination of Constructivism and Mediated Learning Experience. Results indicated the effectiveness of the Thinking Journey in promoting a process of positive change in the students' conceptualization of Earth, improving their knowledge of astronomy,…

Describes a successful school and classroom enhancement package specifically designed to prevent the development of serious antisocial behavior in children. Details the critical school-based processes related to the emergence of antisocial behavior that guide the intervention design and some preliminary positive outcome data on program…