Explores the dynamics of information system use to understand the requirements of intelligent information systems. Highlights include the novice/expert distinction and the development of skills from novice to expert; methods for understanding dynamics; and a study of elementary school children's use of an online public access catalog in grades…

Reveals findings of a longitudinal study concerning high school dropout rates among African-American students. Identifies a link between maternal educational attainment and the likelihood that a child will complete high school. Concludes that initially poor academic performance, aggressive behavior, and poverty increase the likelihood of…

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Growth and Health Study Research Group's 5-year cohort study provides basic information on the baseline cohort of 1,166 white and 1,213 African-American girls aged 9 through 10 years. Factors associated with development of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors are assessed. (SLD)

In a study of middle adolescents, the interrelationships between stressful events, perceived social support, internalization of problems, and externalization of problems were examined. Social support did not act as a buffer of stress. Stressful events and low family support predicted problem behaviors for adolescent girls. (BC)

A four-year longitudinal case study of changes in the teaching of reading and writing made by one female elementary school teacher is described. Changes in the teacher's beliefs and practices and the influence of reflective thinking and collaboration promoted by a master's program and research project are described. (SLD)

Effects of divorce on children are reviewed, acknowledging two contradictory trends. On one hand, it is increasingly recognized that the intact biological parent family offers many advantages. On the other hand, there is increasing acceptance that divorce can be better than having parents stay together for their children's sake. (SLD)

Examines second and third grade data from Project STAR, a reduced class size study. Observers viewed teachers, some of whom received inservice training on effective teaching and class type. Observers' narratives and ratings of class activities and interaction indicated little change in teaching practices regardless of class type or training. (SM)

For students progressing from sixth to eighth grade, an enhanced Alcohol Misuse Prevention Study curriculum emphasizing social pressure resistance training, peer support, and norm setting was developed. Schools participated as either curriculum or control groups. Pretesting and posttesting indicated the curriculum effectively increased students'…

The five cross-sectional studies in this special issue are theoretically rich in their exploration of how principals exercise leadership that improves student performance. Notable improvements over earlier impact studies include a clear explication of theoretical constructs and models; use of multilevel, multivariate designs; more sophisticated…

Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth were used to examine factors related to the achievement and adjustment of 378 African American children in the early elementary grades. Consistent with past research, there was a positive relationship between the number of risk factors children were exposed to and the probability that they were…

Extends previous findings on long-term effects of school desegregation by employing data from the first-ever nationally representative survey of blacks, the National Survey of Black Americans, a probability household survey of 2,107 black adults. Findings support the generally beneficial long-term effects. (SLD)

Australian study examined the ways that school factors and family background influenced high school students to stay in school for the senior secondary noncompulsory years. Researchers proposed a causal model which suggested student achievement level and perceptions of the quality of school life influenced their intentions. (SM)

Discusses High/Scope Preschool Curriculum Comparison study, which was designed to test impact of major methods of curriculum. Three models used differed in degree of initiative expected of child and teacher. Sixty-eight children of 3-15 years were studied. Results showed that child-initiated learning models led to high quality academic results and…

A followup of 380 limited-English-speaking Hispanic children in 20 Texas elementary schools found that most acquired English oral language skills at expected rates and were reading in English at expected levels by third grade. Reading achievement was related to instructional factors and early oral competence in either language. Contains 22…

Stability from morning to afternoon and from year to year of 25 kindergarten and first grade teachers was examined for time and frequency of interactions during reading, story reading, and all instruction. Possible reasons for the lesser stability of first grade teachers are discussed. (SLD)