Education courses can make a difference in classroom practices. Research indicates that the application of educational concepts has improved teaching in several areas: understanding child behavior, constructing and interpreting tests, monitoring and increasing academic learning time, and applying principles of child growth and development.…

Argues that inadequate parenting is a feature of Australian social life, partly because as a community, Australians are unaware of some of the problems that exist, and partly because they have few adequate procedures for coping with problems that arise during child-rearing. Problems addressed include short-term separations, child abuse, and joint…

Argues that multicultural education can be incorporated into every aspect of early childhood education and discusses the teacher's role and some misconceptions about the nature of multicultural education. Guidelines suggested for integrating a multicultural perspective into the curriculum include enhancing self-concept and cultural identity,…

The infant's impressions of his environment are viewed by several philosophers, including Jean Piaget. There has been some past tendency to suppose that, prior to the acquisition of language, the infant has no real impressions about his environment. More recent understandings consider that the infant is capable of conceptualization and can express…

An overview of research and evaluation developments concerning Head Start, preschool education, and day care during the past decade is provided. Possible ramifications for the future are shown from the reexamination of early education programs. (JN)

To understand the processes of learning and to make educational decisions for the future, three levels of environmental and historical context need to be considered. The microsystem represents the most immediate environment, the family; the exosystem includes environment experienced directly, the neighborhood; and the macrosystem represents the…

Presents evidence revealing the complexity of young children's language understandings with regard to spelling patterns, parts of speech, and vocabulary; points out that teachers must build upon the language knowledge that children bring to school. (GT)

Discusses the problem of how to record the progress of young children in nursery schools and suggests several benefits of recordkeeping. Briefly reviews existing tests, scales, and assessment methods. Describes a new guide to assessment developed at the University of Keele (England) and its evaluation in an initial study. (MF)

Reviews validation studies on ten procedures for diagnosing learning disabilities. Evaluates special knowledge claims of learning-disabilities specialists. Author finds procedures often lack sound empirical base, yet diagnosis/labeling of children as learning disabled continues. Concludes that specialists resort to bilogical explanations for…

Traces the development of the De Anza Community College (California) Reentry Educational Program, a program for adult women of limited educational background. Discusses the following aspects of the program: the Child Development Center, resource and referral services, specialized counseling, instruction, and evaluation. (AYC)

Described is an innovative pediatric and child psychiatry liaison program in a community hospital that focuses on the identification of normal and abnormal development of the hospitalized child and his family, none of whom has obvious psychopathology. Directed toward medical students, residents, and paramedical personnel, it has been well…

The findings showed that the stimulated group scored higher on both the intelligence and the developmental tests, particularly on personal-social and speech development. In addition, school placement at the age of five years suggested that the experimental Ss were more easily integrated into the normal community. (Author/DLS)

Explains four rules for the care and guidance of children until age six so that they may develop and retain curiosity, imagination, and inquisitiveness, and have greater potential for accomplishment and enjoyment of life. Describes benefits when such care is given and negative effects when it is withheld. (SB)

Concludes that the popular "Topsy and Tim" children's books reflect a narrow middle-class White culture, have sexist undertones, are falsely cheerful, use language poorly, and feature poor illustrations; contrasts them with superior books that lead children into maturing thought and development. Lists 20 favorite books for young children. (GT)

In a question-and-answer format Henry H. Krevor, Executive Director of the Appalachian Regional Commission, reports on the present status of the commission and the region and comments on prospects for the future. (Author/DS)