Danquah Communication System (DanCS) symbol boards were developed to provide an inexpensive augmented communication device with a computerized voice interface to help nonverbal individuals with severe mental retardation or other severe disabilities to more easily communicate their needs and reduce aggressive behaviors. Evaluation with 30 subjects…

Comments on problems raised in this special issue, focusing on the distinctive aspects of the risk research reported. Highlights issues like sample characteristics, measurement strategies, specificity of risk factors, and risk mechanisms. Discusses the challenges of integrating alternative models of risk, with special references to research into…

Examined the social, academic, emotional functioning, and the social support systems of teenage Asian American students. Ninety-nine students were compared to 404 Caucasian students. Results show that Asian American students exhibited less delinquent behavior and better academic performance, but were significantly more isolated, depressed, and…

Surveys 600 Russian college students regarding their hopes for the future, economic and social advancement, and personal information. Argues that, although students generally are optimistic about their future, many fail to exhibit the self-discipline necessary to be successful. Skepticism about the government is endemic. (MJP)

Asserts that government sponsored educational research has been seriously compromised by the introduction of restrictive conditions. These contractual conditions restrain researchers from discussing any aspect of the research, limiting all information dissemination to the sponsoring body. Contains examples of government suppression and…

Details various ways music teachers can provide children with the emotional resources to rescue and heal themselves. Primary among these is the establishment of trust. Recommends modeling stability, consistency, benevolence, flexibility, and a healthy perspective. Discusses the challenges and problems of being a surrogate parent. (MJP)

Continues an article that began in the summer 1995 "Interdisciplinary Humanities." Examines ethical concerns about nuclear power, societal control, and prejudice articulated in science fiction literature. Authors studied include Ray Bradbury, Philip K. Dick, and Damon Knight. The earlier article covered literature concerned with ecology…

Maintains that teachers can convert social studies to "prosocial" studies by emphasizing the role of caring and empathy as a response to social problems. Briefly addresses integrating the concept of caring into discussions concerning personal relationships and community issues. Advocates modeling behavior and cooperative learning. (MJP)

An attachment theory framework is applied toward understanding the emergence of depressive symptomatology and lower perceived competence in maltreated and nonmaltreated children. Confirmed hypotheses that maltreated children with nonoptimal patterns of relatedness show elevated depressive symptomatology and lower competence, whereas nonmaltreated…

A middle school English teacher suspected that her own personality and demeanor gave students permission to act out. Student surveys examined how her demeanor affected students and what rewards and punishments were appropriate. Results indicated that, though she was not sending mixed messages, her students desired consistent, meaningful classroom…

Since 1994, South Africa's pivotal concern has been access to educational resources for its diverse population. Supply is not meeting demand for either schools or housing. Problems with integrating curricula with salable skill; improving school- university linkages, and improving teacher qualifications are discussed. (MLH)

People's lack of connectedness and increasing alienation, dubbed the "epidemic of insecurity," have unhealthy impacts on society, and create some special problems for males. Cites research findings that closeness and pleasure, especially during child-rearing, promote nonharmful behaviors, and discusses parental, educational, and institutional…

A study examined a Scottish council's initiative to mainstream secondary pupils with social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. Classroom observations and teacher interviews at 12 schools indicated that not all departments shared the underlying philosophy, and consultation with community agencies was lacking. Some schools showed progress, but…

Given the changes in higher education since 1974, especially those introduced by infusion of technology into admissions, registrar, bursar, financial aid, and advising functions, it is suggested that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 may be inadequate to address current college-student privacy issues. Additionally, colleges…

Presents the perspectives of four public library administrators on sharing facilities with local schools, including benefits and problems. Topics include physical accommodations; intellectual freedom issues; security issues; management issues; costs and budgetary considerations; staffing; collection development policies; and the need for a…