A random household survey of 569 African-American adults in Oakland and 568 in San Francisco (California) indicates a high prevalence of smoking (41.9 percent), with smoking more likely by those reporting high stress. Stressful environment may contribute to high-risk smoking behavior among urban African Americans. (SLD)

Discusses efforts to coordinate services (mental health services in particular) for children and families, and reports initial findings of research by the Youth Law Center to identify specific characteristics of effective coordination programs. Sixteen characteristics of effective coordinated service programs have been identified. (SLD)

Describes a survey of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related knowledge, attitudes, and behavior among inner city seventh graders (mostly ethnic minorities). Findings indicate a lack of knowledge and desire to learn more, supporting the possibility that improving AIDS transmission knowledge would result in more tolerance and less…

Explores the relationship between Latino "machismo" and the "cool pose" of the African-American male. It is suggested that both masculine postures can be used to design empowering psychological interventions in clinical, community, educational, and policy areas. Positive features could be used in curricula of diversity. (SLD)

Provides an annotated bibliography of resources on this month's theme "Design" for K-8 language arts, art and architecture, music and dance, science, math, social studies, health, and physical education. Includes Web sites, CD-ROMs and software, videos, books, audiotapes, magazines, professional resources and classroom activities.…

Reviews five serious issues that can result in lawsuits against child care centers and suggests ways directors can make them less likely. Discusses suits resulting from: injuries to a child; sexual abuse of a child; contractual matters with parents; wrongful termination of employees; and failing to care for a child with special health needs. (TJQ)

Describes a longitudinal investigation designed to study emotional disorders over the course of adolescence in children of depressed parents (beginning in sixth grade). The "Development of Depression" project integrates family processes, cognitions, and life events to examine the mechanisms leading to depressive symptoms and disorders.…

Four sections of an undergraduate pharmacy communications course were randomly assigned to include either a traditional laboratory project or a service-learning project. Data collected late in the semester revealed significant positive changes for the service-learning participants in cognitive complexity, social competency, perceived ability to…

World War II brought a significant rise in the number of medical specialists because they were in great demand for treating battle casualties for returning veterans, and many recently discharged medical officers took advantage of the G.I. Bill to train in specialty and subspecialty medicine. A participant chronicles this process. (Author/MSE)

The theme issue of the journal contains 30 articles concerning educational strategies and initiatives designed to strengthen the preparation and recruitment of students for medical education. Most of the articles describe specific programs at the elementary, secondary, higher, and graduate education levels. Others explore aspects of medical…

Used focus groups with 23 Head Start staff from 5 urban programs to identify naturally occurring strategies to cope with children's inappropriate behavior. Found that horizontally managed centers used a more collaborative approach, whereas vertically managed centers required that teachers consult with a gatekeeper before consulting with others.…

Chronicles development of the Baylor College of Dentistry (Texas) competency-based curriculum and outlines 11 lessons learned concerning strategic planning, external accountability, value of significant and continuing faculty participation, administrative support structures, linking planning and assessment, using multiple assessment methods,…

Dollar amounts of federal support for fiscal 1997 (actual), 1998 (estimated), and 1999 (requested) for higher education and science are charted, by program. Data are given separately for Department of Education programs (student aid, graduate support, institutional assistance, disadvantaged, adult/vocational education, educational…

Surveys of Native-American students in grades six through eight examined their attitudes toward and knowledge of fetal-alcohol-syndrome risk factors and prevention strategies. Results revealed that there were limited prevention programs in middle schools, though students considered it an important topic. Families and peers were the most important…

A study investigated the experiences and attitudes of students and faculty in three dental schools in England, Netherlands, and the United States concerning computer-assisted learning (CAL), including their access to computers at home and at school, experience with interactive multimedia, and familiarity with the technique. Implications for use of…