Many states have limitations on the number of times a student may retake the bar exams, but a variety of preparatory techniques can increase chances of success: hypnosis, reduction of test anxiety, better studying techniques. (Journal availability: 1155 E. 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637, $1.00.) (MSE)

According to Hypothesis (H) theory, learning should be very difficult when the number of Hs the subject samples from is very large and/or the correct H is not available. These assumptions were tested with third- and fourth-grade children. In general, results supported these assumptions. (Author/MP)

Looking at the emotional and academic needs of the chronically disruptive student, the author proposes a temporary alternative class, emphasizing self-esteem development and individualized instruction, as the best programmatic solution. (SJL)

Children from a Catholic elementary school were interviewed to determine what they saw as probable causes for success or failure in four situations: a school testing situation an art project, playing football, and catching frogs. Causal explanations were found to differ across the four situations. (Author/GDC)

An argument is presented that liberal social reforms do not and cannot provide justice. Historical perspectives supporting this thesis are discussed. (JMF)

The author argues that direct citizen participation cannot influence educational policy or restore the power of lay boards in public education. Asserting that more can be accomplished by a technically trained organization working within the bureaucracy, he cites the accomplishments of the Education Clearinghouse, a nonprofit group of…

Students with high levels of fear of failure were found to be less vocationally mature on five of the eight measures of vocational maturity and were found to devalue the career planning task more. Vocational planning for the failure-avoidant student should have high priority. (Author)

Discussed are some of the underlying causes of problems in developing countries. Included are: the mismatches of educational and training programs in relation to the occupational skills requirements for industrialization; and the traditional preferences of the people of underdeveloped societies for humanistic education over manual, technical and…

Giving particular attention to the Lothian Region (Scotland) Preschool Educational Home Visiting Scheme, the author argues that such programs may be a gross interference in the lives of those concerned and that, far from teaching better mothering, home visitors may inhibit it by making mothers feel powerless and incompetent. (SJL)

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)