This qualitative study explored issues and outcomes associated with implementing "Playtime Is Science for Students with Disabilities," a curriculum and materials that were modified for students with visual impairments. It found several student-related outcomes (such as persistence and positive peer-related skills) and identified themes (such as…

An ethnographic study examined the engagement and learning of five students with learning disabilities participating in Guided Inquiry supporting Multiple Literacies (GisML). A case study illustrates how GisML helped one 4th grader achieve positive outcomes, how GisML also revealed his learning problems, and how contextual features served both to…

Reports on a study that examined an eighth-grade boy's use of the Internet. Results of three interviews are discussed, focusing on the theme of developmentally influenced searching and using a key text from each interview to analyze. (MES)

Examines current standards and guidelines relative to libraries in Catholic elementary schools, using a sampling of library literature and school district documents. Discusses the importance of data; quantitative data; qualitative data; the mission of the Catholic Church; and the role of the Catholic Library Association in formulating proposed…

In this qualitative research, case study interviews were conducted to provide an in-depth examination of the meaning of braille in the lives of eight legally blind adults. Issues of self-esteem, self-identity, and the "stigma" of being a person with a disability were found to be integrally intertwined with the subjects' expressed feelings about…

Articles in this special issue consider different aspects of community-level evaluation research and demonstrate the emerging sophistication and promise of this field. Process evaluation, qualitative research, and meta-analysis are promising new directions for ensuring more appropriate levels of analysis and more appropriate outcomes. (SLD)

This meta-analysis builds on past qualitative reviews examining different attributions that observers give for other women's and men's successes and failures. Results suggest the greatest support for the argument that differences in expectations for women's and men's performances on masculine tasks influence the selection of stable or unstable…

Reports on qualitative analyses on written responses to questions of school violence from school social workers (N=500). Respondents suggest that when a severe and violent event occurs, the entire school community should be cared for in the response. Comments reflect the severe sense of isolation, powerlessness, and despair school staff experience…

Identifies five dimensions of professional instructional competencies based on qualitative empirical studies (participant observation, interviews, and data analysis). Discusses the concept of a "professional self" in order to explain professional development. Emphasizes self-reflection and observation as the means for professional educators to…

Examines the impact of an all-male rape prevention program on fraternity men. After participating in "The Men's Program," fraternity men were asked if the program impacted their attitude or behavior and what led to that change. Results point to the importance of establishing empathy with rape survivors to increase men's awareness and sensitivity…

This qualitative study examined the perspectives of three families and the early interventionist in a family-centered early intervention program. Included among the six major issues are: (1) identifying and meeting child or family needs, (2) meaning of child-focused or family-focused intervention, (3) use of family resources or professional…

Examined the multidimensional nature of social disclosure patterns of 44 couples who had adopted at least 1 child during the previous decade. Identified three main types of patterns varying in open communication patterns, social networks, internal/external family distinctions, motives, and tactics: advocates, moderates, and reluctants. Concluded…

Examined the shift in the educational-research paradigm in Finland as seen in 335 doctoral dissertations. Early in the century, educational history was the dominant topic, but by the 1950s the experimental paradigm took over. By the 1980s, factor analysis was a very common research method. In the 1990s, qualitative analyses account for one-third…

Examines day care memories at ages 11-12 and 17-18 of 4 female participants in the Victoria Day Care Research Project. Reports a continued strong interest in fathers and a shift over time in salience of different memories. Presents implications for early childhood educators. (DLH)

This qualitative study examined perceptions of 248 parents of young children with special needs concerning the benefits, barriers, and improvements needed in current early intervention services in Illinois. Benefits cited included the technical knowledge and skills of service providers; barriers included a need for more specialized child-oriented…