Evaluated the effectiveness of the Life Choices program in increasing internality and perceived competence in 74 sixth-grade girls. Results indicated the program was successful for working class subjects, but lower class girls showed no increase in internality or knowledge of career alternatives. (JAC)

Test-retest data (six-month interval) collected on preadolescent student self-concepts, teachers' ratings of student self-concepts, and academic ability provided strong support for the construct validity of self-concept. The multiple dimensions of self-concept showed a logical and consistent pattern of relationships with a variety of criteria.…

No longer little children, but not yet teenagers, tweens are beginning to see themselves as autonomous while still struggling to understand where they fit in. It can also be an awkward time for teachers who cherish the hilarious and poignant personalities of tween writers, but feel pressured by a new emphasis on testing in the intermediate grades.…

Describes a study using matched-guise technique designed to (1) determine how West Welsh preadolescents would react to Welsh speakers reading a passage of prose in one of three language varieties (Received Pronunciation English, Welsh-Accented English, Welsh) and (2) to examine what effect language of testing might have on children's social…

Verbal interactions of 18 hyperactive boys (8 to 11 years old) with their mothers during 15-minute free play and task periods were studied and compared to interactions of 18 normal boys with their mothers. Both hyperactive boys and their mothers were found to use significantly more utterances in free play than normal mother-child dyads.…

Middle level students have unique needs that can be met by a school advising program. Outlines the goals and a timeline for implementing an advisory program along with nine components essential to a successful guidance and advisory program. (MLF)

A study examined reading, demographic, social, and psychological factors related to preadolescent smoking and nonsmoking behaviors and attitudes. Variables studied included reading achievement, family involvement, and racial and sex differences. (Authors/CJ)

Fifth- and sixth-grade students (N=600) were assessed regarding smoking activity, parents' smoking, four dimensions of self-esteem, and attitudes toward school. Multivariate analyses showed students were more likely to begin smoking if they had parents who smoked, had low self-esteem, and disliked school and feared failure. (Author)

Survey of 1,672 Mexican American students in grades 6-12 in a southern California school district found that smoking and smokeless tobacco use were greater among males than females and increased substantially across grades. Nonmigrant youths and those identifying with traditional Mexican American culture were more likely to consider regular…

Describes a Montessori teacher's experience with a sufferer of Tourette's syndrome, a dysfunction characterized by motor and vocal tics. Studies the progress over a school year, including work on academic skills utilizing the Montessori method and behavior. Shares research, successes, and failures in trying to reach the child. (SD)

Examines the gains in single word recognition and oral reading fluency made by low-progress readers after an intensive, systematic skills-based reading program. Reports that the results did not support the hypothesis because both groups of low-progress readers made gains on the reading measures. Includes references. (CMK)

Evaluated effects of daily practice writing spelling words in sentences on generalization of spelling words to written work. Findings from mildly mentally handicapped students (n=4) aged 8 to 13 showed that generalization of the target spelling words to written work was improved by sentence writing. Follow-up condition indicated maintenance of…

Tested multidimensional formulation of assertiveness and substance use in 3 metropolitan-area school samples (N=675, N=1,430, and N=5,545) of adolescents including White, Black, and Hispanic students aged 12-14 years. Found Substance-specific Assertiveness inversly associated with substance use and Social Dating Assertiveness positively associated…

Examined learning styles of African-American, Chinese-American, Greek-American, and Mexican-American fourth, fifth, and sixth graders who completed Learning Style Inventory and Group Embedded Figures Test. Found children from different areas of American subculture had different patterns of preferred learning strategies. Findings suggest need for…

Examined effects of differential teacher training in use of drug education curriculum on 12 grade 5 classrooms of students' knowledge levels, problem-solving and coping skills, attitudes toward planned decision making, behavioral intentions, and tobacco and alcohol use. Found significant differences in intentions to take a drink but not on other…