Evaluated over 6 years a comprehensive treatment program for abusive families in Spain. Findings were similar to those obtained for similar programs in the United States and other developed countries. Lowest success rates were found for neglectful and abusive-neglectful families. Dropout and nondropout families differed in presence of alcohol…

Used kinematic measures to compare relative contributions of growing body dimensions, age, and walking experience in walking skill development in 9- to 17-month-olds, kindergartners, and college students. Found that with increased age, size, and experience, children's steps became longer, narrower, straighter, and more consistent, reflecting a…

Examined main and interactive effects of multiple social risk factors and preschool IQ and mental health on students' academic trajectories from first to twelfth grade. Found that high-risk students had lower grades and more absences from first to twelfth grade than low-risk students. Higher IQ and better mental health improved the grade point…

This study examined relations among characteristics at ages 3 and 10 years and delinquent behavior at age 10. Findings indicated that race and gender were significant predictors of delinquent behavior at age 10, as were temperament, IQ, and emotional instability at age 3. Psychological status, perceived peer substance use, IQ, and temperament at…

Examined influence of perceived self-efficacy for affect regulation with older adolescents. Found that self-efficacy to regulate affect related to high efficacy to manage academic development, resist social pressures for antisocial activities, and engage with empathy in others' emotional experiences. Perceived self-efficacy for affect regulation…

Examined the academic success of children from farm and non-farm families in the rural midwest United States, with a focus on community integration as an important factor for academic achievement. Found that children from farm families showed the highest levels of academic performance, owing largely to the high levels of parental involvement and…

Examined relations among maternal depressive symptoms, family discord, and adolescent psychological adjustment. Found that maternal depressive symptoms were related to subsequent adolescent depressive symptoms, conduct problems, and academic difficulties for girls but not boys. Girls' greater vulnerability to family discord accounted for the…

A study of 91 Japanese and American preschool children and followup at grade 5 or 6 focused on the effects on academic achievement of 2 sets of variables: mother's early microlevel parenting behaviors and interactions with child, and mother's values concerning child's achievement and school legitimacy. Contains 38 references. (SV)

Describes the interviewing measures used with children as part of the assessment activities in a longitudinal field experiment. Explores children's motives, attitudes, and perceptions relative to the development of prosocial behavior. Finds that significant grade and sex differences are shown for measures used. Questionnaires for older children…

Examined the ways in which language and context are socially and culturally constituted events through a three-year ethnographic study of bilingual (English and Spanish) primary and middle school classrooms utilizing writing process literacy instruction. An analysis of journal sharing activities revealed particular social relationships, normative…

Data from three faculty surveys (1979, 1984, 1990) of eight Australian colleges and universities were used to analyze changes in work-related attitudes. Patterns and trends are examined over time and in relation to institution type, gender, academic rank, and discipline. Policy implications are discussed. (Author/MSE)

Describes longitudinal studies conducted at the Drexel Early Childhood Center (Pennsylvania) that used Self-Controlled Interactive Learning Systems to teach reading skills. Standardized test scores for at-risk students are compared with other students; experimental and control groups using standard instruction are compared; and studies of…

Used observations and home visits to examine sex differences in language ability of 54 disadvantaged children at risk for poor language outcomes. Found that language difficulties increased over time, boys were at a constant disadvantage to girls in language development, and sex difference in language ability appeared even when families had similar…

Studies the long-term effects of transitional (TBE) and maintenance (MBE) bilingual instructional programs on development of native and English oral language proficiency for 125 TBE-instructed Vietnamese and 298 MBE-instructed Hispanic American children from kindergarten through second grade. Discusses significant findings on positive and negative…

Examines collaboration between schools and nonprofit community-based organizations and its impact on dropout prevention programing and staff-student relations. The study is part of a 3-year longitudinal evaluation of the New York City Attendance Improvement Dropout Prevention program at 6 of 29 city middle schools implementing the collaboration.…