Suggests using social network theory to explain varieties of mourning behavior in different societies. Compares participation in funeral ceremonies of members of different social circles in American society and Israeli kibbutz. Concludes that results demonstrated validity of concepts deriving from social network analysis in study of bereavement,…

Presents findings based on author's research and experience as principal in California's Mojave Desert. Five basic characteristics distinguish the rural principalship: lack of an assistant principal or other support staff; assumption of other duties, including central office tasks, teaching, or management of another site; less severe student…

Peer networking, a shared learning activity in which people and ideas are linked in a mutually supportive environment, can allow the sharing of information and expertise, link people who share common interests, test new concepts, verify new ideas, and promote job opportunities. Guidelines for successful networking include listening attentively,…

Describes an innovative approach to building a school community taking hold at a Winston-Salem, North Carolina, elementary school. Called Parents in Partnership, the program uses a Big Brother/Big Sister model to link parents of incoming kindergarten children with more experienced parents at the school. The parents form informal, personal networks…

Notes that disturbances periodically occur in psychiatric Adolescent Units. Argues that, by delaying full resolution of these social disturbances, maximum therapeutic benefit may be gained. Illustrated by clinical example, shows how prolonging complete resolution can effect change for adolescent, adolescent's social network, and Adolescent Unit…

Examined impact of formal, informal, and societal support systems on mental health of black adolescent mothers (n=170). Found that both lay and professional supports were important for young mother's psychological well-being. Support from male partner, caseworker contact, and membership in support group decreased psychological distress and…

Interviews and surveys of participants in five community projects investigated whether the communication process for citizen participation is a factor in increasing or decreasing citizen influence in decision making for a project. Findings demonstrate the importance of social-network analysis in assessing the effectiveness of participation…

Investigates social supports that HIV-infected persons find helpful and unhelpful and the size and composition of networks along the disease continuum. Results show that overall, HIV-infected people had adequate social networks, and that networks were made up of professionals, family, and friends. Offers suggestions for HIV education and…

Attempts to identify factors that predict persistent, decreased, or increased delinquency between early childhood and adolescence. Delinquent trajectories, resilience, the nature of the population, family background, and individual characteristics are discussed. Findings are organized by a model distinguishing between resilience and desistance.…

Examines the relationship between consciousness, language learning, and social interaction from an ecological perspective. Argues that consciousness and language are integral parts of the human ecology, that is, they can be defined in terms of social activity and relationships among people, as well as in terms of mental operations or cerebral…

Considers race differences in the determinants of social support network characteristics using data from Established Populations for Epidemiological Studies of the Elderly. Focuses on the extent to which race differences in network dimensions are present and whether variations can be attributed to social structural positions held. Results indicate…

Using an anthropological model of progress, a systemic model for family literacy is developed. The family is seen within a network of relationships with schools and workplaces within the context of communities and cultures. Family literacy focuses on the family as a whole and uses it as the preferred place of delivery. (SK)

A Web site that offers fun-filled, creative interactions among campers will keep the camp spirit alive year-round. Suggestions include a virtual map of the camp in which campers can click on their cabin for updates on their bunkmates, Web site scavenger hunts, electronic time capsules, chat rooms, virtual friendship circles, and new off-season…

Interviews with 42 parents who located in the best school districts they could afford suggest that the beliefs that inform their choices are mediated by social status ideologies emphasizing race and class. Thus, school choice policies alone may not level the playing field for lower-income parents. (Contains 56 references.) (SK)

Interactional features of an online graduate course conference were analyzed using the Transcript Analysis Tool (TAT) and structural elements using social network theory. Intensity and persistence of participation were unequal. The TAT showed the proportions of five modes of interaction (questions, statements, reflections, engaging comments, and…