This study of students and teachers in 40 secondary classrooms in a large, southwestern high school investigated the relation of classroom climate to on-task behavior of students. Multiple regression and stepwise analyses indicated that social climate variables--including teacher support/control, rule clarity, and innovation--are significantly…

Critiques the notion of school district efficiency and applies 1 definition to the performance of all 178 Kentucky districts. Finds that achievement test performance of inefficient districts exceeded that of efficient districts by .20 standard deviation, and that efficiency was related to smallness but not ruralness. Contains 26 references.…

Investigated were the effects of interactive computer-generated homework on unit tests, a final examination, and a comprehensive test given near the end of a Physical Science I course. The results indicated that the use of the homework reduced the effectiveness of the American College Test scores as a predictor of course achievement. (YP)

Examines the effects of opportunity-structure variables on the rate of labor market participation among 4,688 subjects from early adolescence to young adulthood. Discusses the effect of the following: (1) attitudes; (2) education; (3) drug use; (4) sex and race; and (5) early sanctions and failures. (FMW)

Describes study that investigated the impact of individual differences on deaf college students' attitudes toward computers at Gallaudet University. The impact of age, gender, computer experience, and major are examined, and results indicate a strong correlation between computer experience level and attitudes. (22 references) (Author/LRW)

The relationship of Spanish-language background to achievement among first-, second-, and third-generation Mexican American high school seniors was examined. Data from the national High School and Beyond study were used. Spanish-language variables were only intermittently related to achievement, with personal aspirations far more influential. (TJH)

Studied American College Test (ACT) scores, sex, race, financial aid, and attrition/persistence as predictors of grades for college freshmen (N=208). Found for grade average predictions with attrition/persistence excluded, ACT or race was the first variable. Other stepwise predictors were generally not viable. (Author/ABL)

Surveys of 350 teacher trainees from Singapore's teacher training institution were used to examine relationships among quality of work life, career commitment, job satisfaction, and withdrawal cognition. Career commitment and job satisfaction were important predictors of withdrawal cognition. Perceptions of the social status of teaching strongly…

Suggests incorporating into practice those findings that emerge repeatedly in different foster care studies. Identifies four characteristics of children that have been linked to particular outcomes: age at time of placement, contact with biological family, length of time in care, and behavior problems. Shows how incorporation of these factors into…

A two-wave survey in a large community sample of Canadian adolescents (n=801; n=694) with increased risk for problems in social functioning studied the prevalence of depression and social factors that contribute to it. The prevalence, which was found at 10.9% overall, is about double that of other studies. (SLD)

Whether models of parenting competence derived from studies of adult mothers are descriptive of adolescent mothers. Fifty-eight adolescent mothers from an alternative high school were studied. Results suggest that determinants of adolescent parenting competence are patterned differently than adult models predict. (SLD)

Predictive relations between mathematics and verbal achievement and several different measures of motivation were examined in samples of 348 sixth-grade and 325 ninth-grade Norwegian students. Results support the internal/external frame of reference model suggesting that academic self-concepts are influenced by both external and internal…

Systematically assessed replicability and generalizability of a multidimensional alcoholism typological system in 399 inpatient, outpatient, and non-treatment-seeking cocaine abusers. Two different procedures supported the construct, concurrent, and predictive validity of the Type A-Type B distinction in cocaine abusers. Multidimensional…

Explores the use of manifest indicators to predict adolescents' suicide attempts. Manifest predictors in the categories of school, leisure, peer and parent relations, consumption, and contact with suicidal behavior identified those most at risk. Concludes that manifest predictors can complement psychiatric screenings by reducing the number to be…

Examined the relative role of parent-child relationships, family stress, and disease factors in predicting behavior problems in children with epilepsy. Found that children's self-reliance correlated with parent-reported behavior problems, whereas expression of affect related to teacher-reported problems. Overall, parent-child relationship factors…