Describes exploratory and confirmatory analyses of verbal-performance procedures to illustrate concepts and procedures for analysis of correlated factors. Argues that, based on convergent and discriminant validity criteria, factors should have higher correlations with variables that they purport to measure than with other variables. Discusses…

The OERI-funded research summarized in this special "Kappan" section constitutes a "trickle-up" research agenda animated by real respect for local autonomy and unwavering commitment to public service. The most valuable research will emerge from a collaborative culture uniting university-based researchers, K-12 practitioners and…

Critiques John Gray and associates' article "A Multi-level Analysis of School Improvement" in the same "School Effectiveness and School Improvement" issue. Instead of distinguishing between stable and unstable components of school-effectiveness indices and between different effects, the authors identify schools' variances…

Spirituality plays an important role in Americans' lives, but there is a paucity of research on the relationship between spirituality and leisure. The article reviews recent research on the subject, examining descriptive and theoretical studies as well as leisure factors influencing spiritual experience and the benefits of spiritual experience.…

Reports on the 1990 World Conference of the International Council for Distance Education. Focuses on strategies for the organization of distance education, distance students in the 1990s, future technological developments, and distance education research and teacher training. (DMM)

Three criticisms of family-centered models of early intervention for individuals with disabilities are put forth: the definition of family is indeterminate; early interventionists bring their own conceptions of the meaning of family to their work; and empirical research about family processes and their relationship to individuals' development is…

This paper reviews the functional properties and procedural variations of differential reinforcement for the reduction of behavior disorders in individuals with developmental disabilities. The paper proposes that limited success may be a result of the arbitrary relationship that exists between reinforcers and target behaviors when behavioral…

Reviews research and theory to illustrate the issues that face language arts educators as they deal with gender issues in the classroom. Suggests that educators have often failed truly to face the complexity of such issues as legitimate and worthy of attention in the classroom. (RS)

Discusses the effectiveness of interactive video systems and their use in teacher education programs. Reports on preservice and in-service teacher education programs that use interactive video are reviewed, and topics for future research using a component-based definition of interactive video systems are suggested (41 references) (LRW)

Describes a study that examined back of book indexes produced by 37 authors and 27 nonauthors to see whether differences between the 2 groups of indexers could be discerned by counting the occurrence of 3 characteristics in their indexes: number of index pages, modified headings, and cross-reference use. (27 references) (LRW)

This review of behavioral conceptualizations and approaches to the treatment of child noncompliance includes discussion of behavioral definitions, methods of assessment, types of behavioral interventions, generalization of treatment effects, future research directions, and potential ethical concerns. (Author/JDD)

Describes the techniques used to elicit personal knowledge on cartographic cataloging from experts to develop an experimental semiautomatic cataloging advisor called Mapper. Results of an evaluation study are reported which demonstrate that library students who are novice map catalogers produce better cataloging answers when assisted by Mapper.…

Discusses the history of information science and its understanding of and approach to relevance; explains human categorization theory and applies it to the idea of relevance; shows that information science research is flawed because it fails to adequately explain experience; and suggests implications for future research. (17 references) (LRW)

This 20-year review describes the evolution of the field of organizational career development, types of interventions, programs for unique needs (career phases, special groups), effectiveness of career development programs, and suggestions for future research and practice. (170 references) (SK)

Reviews research literature published between 1957 and 1990 regarding the musical involvement of the elderly. Divides studies into works dealing with (1) musical aptitude, (2) musical preferences, (3) music programs for older adults, and (4) the aging voice. Cites the enormous and growing quantity and quality of research on the subject. Identifies…