An econometric analysis, using a research design based on the nonequivalent control group (NECG), assessed the effectiveness of a program offering free evaporative coolers to low-income families owning air conditioners. The NECG controls for serious threats to internal validity, except for self-selection. The program successfully reduced energy…

This article describes conceptual and methodological limitations of existing research on the efficacy of early intervention programs. Recent studies using meta-analytic techniques to generate testable hypotheses are reviewed. Recommendations for greater precision in measurement and for improved research design are offered. (DB)

Reviews the Robbins Report, considering today's educational issues from its perspective. Concentrating mainly on the university component of British higher education, Moser concludes that many of its themes are relevant today. Argues for less educational specialization, total financial review, and continued support of higher education for those…

Reviews the Robbins Report's recommendations about teacher preparation, stating that they dealt mainly with structural and financial considerations, granting institutions the autonomy necessary for growth and success. Discusses the contributions of the report to teacher education, such as making teaching an all-graduate profession and raising the…

Evaluation of the Social Integration Program (SIP) which provided mainstream services to 31 preschool handicapped children in Utah during its first three years found that SIP children made significant gains on educational and developmental tests and mastered a high proportion of individualized education program objectives. (Author/DB)

A study was conducted to assess how a training program on adolescent development affected health professionals and their work performance. Changes in trainees' attitudes and knowledge about adolescent development were measured with pre- and posttraining tests. Short-term training affected basic theoretical knowledge of adolescent development,…

The article describes a survey of 36 dental education programs to identify educators' reactive policies and procedures in their patient treatment centers to minimize dental contamination and cross-contamination. (Author/CT)

A study was conducted to provide information about articulation activities in vocational agriculture in Missouri by identifying current and needed articulation practices between Missouri postsecondary and secondary vocational agriculture programs. While teachers from both groups rated the importance of articulation, postsecondary teachers viewed…

A public relations audit can show how efforts measure up, whether they are parents programs, media relations, or faculty/staff communication. A sample inventory form is included. (MLW)

A six-hour developmental program was evaluated using alternate forms of the highly validated Personal Skills Map. The differences in participants' scores showed increases in self-esteem, comfort, and management skills (p is less than .00), while aggression (p=.05) and deference (p is less than .00) decreased. (Author/CT)

Reports on a survey of community college chief student personnel officers, which focused on the comprehensiveness of student service program offerings and the relative contribution of the program to designated purposes. Reveals that purposes related to student development were subordinate to those related to delivery of services. (DMM)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of continuing education designed to teach physical assessment skills to community health nurses. (JOW)

Drawing on his long experience of Africa, the author discusses what needs to be done and what needs to be avoided to ensure that labor-intensive special public works programs yield tangible and lasting results. (Author)

Examines the organization of quality circles in Italy, the training aspect of these quality circles, and advantages and limitations of quality circles. For successful circles, the author recommends a feasibility study by qualified consultants, an experimental pilot project confined to certain parts of the company, and a fully informed management.…

The first two articles discuss the Nongovernmental Organization Forum on women's issues, held in Nairobi, Kenya; the third reviews "The Invisible Decade--U.K. Women and the U.N. Decade 1976-1985"; and the fourth identifies the oppressed status of Nepalese women. (CT)