Summarizes results from a series of investigations of relationships between high-risk adolescents' interpersonal strivings, social expectations, emotional distress, blood pressure responses to stressors, and elevations in blood pressure during regular school days. Surveys and blood pressure readings indicated that cognitive expectancies and goals…

Differences in the emotional reactions of male and female adolescents to their most recent occasion of sexual intercourse were studied with 932 Australian secondary school students. Most reported positive emotions, but females were more likely to report negative emotions. Guilt responses and peer and parental influences are also discussed. (SLD)

This survey of 201 regular education teachers found that the most frequently used prereferral strategies used to facilitate classroom adjustment and achievement were consultation with other professionals, parent conferences, and behavior management techniques. Elementary teachers implemented more strategies than secondary-level teachers.…

Discussion of expert systems and computerized adaptive tests describes two versions of EXSPRT, a new approach that combines uncertain inference in expert systems with sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) stopping rules. Results of two studies comparing EXSPRT to adaptive mastery testing based on item response theory and SPRT approaches are…

A study involving 1,000 simulated examinees compared the partial credit and graded response models in computerized adaptive testing (CAT). The graded response model fit the data well and provided slightly more accurate ability estimates than those of the partial credit model. Benefits of polytomous model-based CATs are discussed. (SLD)

Responds to previous article by Douglas C. Smith on exploring the religious-spiritual needs of the dying in which Smith presents psychosocial tools than can be used to assess, examine, and amplify client's religious-spiritual strengths. Compares Smith's work to classic values clarification, addresses issues of counselor judgment and informed…

Observation of 31 teachers and their preschool students with disabilities in 2 contexts (meals and activities) showed that teachers frequently engaged children in communicative interactions, commented on ongoing activities, were highly responsive, and waited for children to respond. Teachers less frequently expanded children's utterances, prompted…

This investigation compared 19 adolescents' perceptions of the nonspeech personality characteristics of voice-disordered and normal-speaking children. Listeners, who rated recorded speech samples, showed a significant tendency to judge the normal speakers more positively than the voice-disordered speakers. Results suggest developmental trends in…

Studied patterns of behavior and emotional response associated with peer rejection in early adolescence. Obtained data on seventh and eighth graders' loneliness, social dissatisfaction, and concerns. The combination of aggressiveness and submissiveness with low levels of prosocial behavior was associated with peer rejection. (GLR)

Although teachers can gain as much as students from practicing conflict resolution procedures, they often remain unconvinced about benefits unless they actually try them. Drawing on experimental programs in Pittsburgh and New York City, this article describes the basics of moving adults from conflict to collaboration. Morton Deutsch's sidebar…

Twenty-five general and 37 special education teachers were compared in their planning and adaptation for students with learning disabilities. Results indicated that special education teachers who used curriculum-based measurement (CBM) adapted students' programs more frequently and relied on more objective databases than did non-CBM special…

Effects of the following methods for linking metrics on detection of differential item functioning (DIF) were compared: (1) test characteristic curve method (TCC); (2) weighted mean and sigma method; and (3) minimum chi-square method. With large samples, results were essentially the same. With small samples, TCC was most accurate. (SLD)

This study found that, of 18 children with severe visual and multiple impairments assessed using the Acuity Card Procedure (originally developed for assessing the visual acuity of infants), 42 percent responded. A similar group received a simple instructional intervention prior to testing and that group's response rate was 85 percent. (Author/DB)

Mask-making with simple art materials can be used to reinforce elementary students' reading, writing, and interpersonal skills. The article describes a mask-making project that connected fourth graders with language, literature, and self-expression. (SM)

Describes restructuring in a Western Australian school district. Provides background information and summarizes findings of a case study exploring what primary teachers thought about the restructuring of their work. The 60 teachers interviewed generally thought the restructuring process negatively influenced their curriculum work. Teachers felt…