Reviews basic ideas presented in this special issue on the evolution of behaviorism. Topics addressed include stimulus and response; research with animals; applications to education and training; human motivation; theory through computer programs; experimental analysis of behavior; behaviorism moving into other disciplines; cognitive…

This study followed 206 adolescent boys and their families from the fourth through eighth grade to test a model for conduct-related school failure. Results indicated that low parental academic achievement was associated with ineffective discipline practices and child antisocial behavior in the sixth grade and that ineffective discipline had a…

Examined relationships among childrearing, parental locus of control about childrearing, and child's behavior style. Found that parents who perceived their child's behavior as either externalizing or internalizing had a weak internal locus of control and were more authoritarian. Perceived externalizing child behavior was positively related to…

Describes an innovation in an outer-London comprehensive school and raises questions concerning its implementation. Describes the school and its context and outlines the innovation, Assertive Discipline. Presents classroom observations showing uneven interpretations by teachers and no positive effects on pupil behavior. Discusses seven potential…

Investigates the opinions and attitudes of Indo-Canadian parents concerning educational and social issues likely to affect their children's progress at school. Findings show that Indo-Canadian parents support and value education; do not know much about their children's school curriculum and activities; retain their community language; and are…

Use of Assertive Discipline procedures (emphasizing consistent application of praise and reward) were applied with two five-year olds with developmental delays and behavior problems over a one-year period. The procedures were effective in both segregated and regular classroom settings. Differential effects across types of disruptive behavior were…

A total of 76 children, ages 3 through 5, were asked to evaluate how preschool teachers should intervene in children's social and moral transgressions. Older preschoolers preferred explicit teacher explanations over punishment or nonintervention, whereas all preferred punishment over nonintervention. Younger girls preferred explanations for moral…

Presents vignettes of everyday situations to describe how children are affected by violence and what early childhood teachers can do to create a peaceable classroom environment. Notes how teachers should outline for the class a safety rule that emphasizes the need for everyone to feel safe. Also discusses other teacher-directed safety strategies.…

Public policy programs at universities are continuing to define and defend their institutional niche, influenced by new quantitative approaches of cost-benefit analysis and more analytic decision making. At least 50 institutions offer master's programs in public policy leading to jobs in government and industry. (DB)

Defines assessment as finding out where the problems are in a program for the purpose of eliminating them. Presents a method for developing a formal assessment plan in history including principles of assessment, program goals, and objectives. Suggests determining what is already done and what further assessment methods are desired. (DK)

Thirty-six professors in six matched pure and applied fields of study were interviewed to determine validation processes and truth criteria used in their disciplines. Results suggest that different fields operate according to different rules. Teaching students these rules and how they affect learning is an important role of instruction. (SLD)

Middle school teachers can avoid most discipline problems by creating positive relationships with students that are built on mutual respect and dignity. Stimulating instruction that actively involves students in learning is another deterrent to misbehavior. Effective teachers communicate their expectations regarding rules and consequences. (seven…

Differences in the comprehension and interpretation of historical texts are discussed for eight high school students and eight historians. The sources of differences in the two groups and their epistemological stances are analyzed. Implications for reading comprehension and the place of history in the school curriculum are discussed. (SLD)

The main factor in determining the seriousness of offensive speech should not be the group that is offended, but whether harassment or discrimination, legally defined, results. Colleges have an obligation to teach students how to analyze the surrounding society and determine how their actions reflect and are reflected in that society. (MSE)

Discusses a study of the political science major within the liberal arts curriculum. Urges that a major should have structure and coherence. Emphasizes the major as an area for in-depth training, not bureaucratic convenience. Suggests that the American Political Science Association foster more connections to other fields and assessment of…