Learned helplessness is a state of passivity and loss of persistence resulting from individuals' perceptions, over a period of time, that they cannot control outcomes of events nor can their efforts lead to attainment of goals. Research studies are reviewed and implications for the study of learning disabilities are evaluated. (MH)

Academic stress was measured in Black and White, middle- and lower-class adolescents in an inner city school. Race differences were observed on four of ten factors with Blacks indicating significantly more pressure. A race by class interaction was revealed for the consequences of academic failure factor. (Author/RD)

An introductory analysis of the relative faults and merits of various testing systems suggests the need for teacher intercession in the standard testing procedure. (LH)

This article reports highlights of a four-year study, by the Center for Policy Research, of the planning and implementation of six innovative public schools. Most people who planned new school programs vastly underestimated the complexity of the enterprise. Dilemmas are outlined and illustrated. (Author/KC)

Provides guidelines for job interview preparation. Discusses effective interview communications with emphasis on potential employer questions and applicant's answers, nonverbal behavior, and questions to employer. Suggests followup measures. Lists fifty typical employer questions and fourteen negative factors leading to rejection. (CSS)

Discusses the hazards that the English language contains for children learning to read, reports the Bullock Report's recommendation to judge I.T.A. on its merits, and describes research findings suggesting that the probability of reading failure is considerably greater when T.O. is used than when I.T.A. is used. (GT)

Presents examples of the social causation of reading handicaps from a cross-cultural study of 14 countries called the Comparative Reading project. The study compared ways children were taught to read. (BF/JH)

A study of 750 students from four community colleges showed that high-risk students graduated only half as frequently in traditional community colleges (miniuniversities) as in non-punitive colleges (opportunity centers). However, there were no differences in subsequent academic performance of such students in senior institutions, suggesting that…

A United Kingdom study investigated the affective responses of 30 faculty, administrators, and supervisors in occupational therapy courses when failing students. Patterns of feelings reported at each stage of the decision-making process, factors influencing judgments, and reactions of others are described. Understanding more about affective…

A study investigated the relationship between college first-year students'0 self-reported attitudes and behavior and academic success in the first college year. Three of four subscales used in combination predicted accurately first-year students who ended the year in good academic standing. However, the model was much less precise for predicting…

Presents a study evaluating the effect of reading intervention with children at risk of reading failure. Explains the program spanned 10 weeks and emphasized word building and phonics skills. States there is a need for continual support as opposed to a short intervention. Includes references. (CMK)

This article is designed to increase awareness of teachers and other school personnel to the difficulties of many foster children, specifically, the problems these youngsters have while they are in school and once they have left. Recommended actions to improve the education of foster children are listed, along with transition strategies. (Contains…

Discusses the value of preschool experience for children at risk for school failure. Explores questions: Does early intervention help? Should parents be involved in their children's education? and What is the impact of the quality of the preschool program? by examining the Early Learning Classroom component of the Kansas City, Missouri School…

Notes that students with a history of failure may be hampered by feelings of incompetence and diminished expectations. States that teachers using responsive instruction become attuned to these perceptions and encourage students to regain control of the problem-solving process. Notes that to succeed, teachers must propose certain goals and…

Describes student outcomes following the first year of implementation of an early reading intervention project designed to improve the first language literacy in first grade English language learners (ELLs). Results indicate steady improvement in reading levels and support providing ELLs with interventions that use an intensive, systematic,…