Contrasts the consistency, the self-concept, and the new look formulations of cognitive dissonance. The study demonstrates that dissonance occurs when a behavior and its consequences contradict an individual's self-concept. Findings both support and diverge from various aspects of the three formulations of dissonance phenomena. (LSR)

Analyzes the decision making process used by Japanese middle school students and their parents for choosing a high school. Reveals that these decisions are highly affected by placement counseling. This process defines the students' choices, inculcates values, and offers sets of rationales for students to account for their decisions. (MJP)

This study examined the quantity and quality of teacher recruitment programs for K-12 public school students, highlighting the need for minority group teachers. Surveys of 380 California schools in northern California indicated that 96% had no opportunities for students at any grade level to learn in a systematic manner about becoming a teacher.…

Presents a model of conjoint group treatment for sex offenders and survivors with an emphasis on gender-related issues. Included here are group goals, procedures, and the roles of group leaders. Case examples are offered to clarify the effect of the group on the participants. (RJM)

Discusses why college admissions officers, high school guidance counselors, or independent counselors must be prepared to help prospective college students understand how to afford a college education and benefit from financial aid. Provides a model, Financial Aid F.A.C.T.S., to help explain the world of financial aid. (Author/JDM)

The project described in this article investigates student explanations of truancy and dropout, and associated demographic and academic variables among Cambodian students (N=23) at a comprehensive high school. Results suggest that students at high risk of truancy can be identified before they start high school on the basis of their behavior in…

Lists resources for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teachers working with students seeking employment. The resources also address the changing economy, coping with unemployment, barriers to employment, human rights, self-assessment, and exploring options. Classroom print materials and audiovisual resources are included. (Author/CK)

Discusses the effectiveness of a peer mediation program in a Midwestern suburban elementary school. Responses to questionnaires given to students and teachers suggested that the students successfully learned the procedures and applied them in conflict situations throughout the year. Includes a thorough description of the program's procedures. (MJP)

Compares the personal counseling role of the college tutor with the work of the trained student counselor. Found that a lot of role confusion exists, that untrained tutors use a smaller range of skills than counselors, and that they tend more toward advice giving and directive techniques. They feel unprepared and unsupported in their counseling…

The purpose of the study was to describe school nurses' (N=24) and teachers' (N=25) opinions of how the health-related goals in their counselling and instruction were attained and to find out the possible differences between the two groups in the Finnish European Network of Health Promoting Schools. The data were collected by a questionnaire and…

School phobia is a serious disorder affecting up to 5% of elementary and middle school children. Long-term consequences include academic failure, diminished peer relationships, parental conflict, and development of additional psychiatric disorders. Hiding behind such common physical symptoms as headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue, school phobia…

Research suggests positive interaction between students and teachers is a hallmark of a safe and effective school. Yet to date there is no literature presenting findings or case examples of what constitutes positive engagement or how to measure its frequency. This paper shares observations of a "model" rural middle school in an attempt…

Purpose: We developed manual-guided, replicable interventions based on common needs and cultural preferences of White and African American family caregivers (CGs) of individuals with dementia, and we evaluated these interventions after a 6-month follow-up. Design and Methods: We randomly assigned White (n = 70) and African American (n = 48) CGs of…

Courses on social group work have traditionally relied on in-class role plays to teach group work skills. The most common technological aid in such courses has been analog videotape. In recent years new technologies have emerged that allow the instructor to customize and tailor didactic experiences to individual classes and individual learners.…

Survey interviews with 230 predominantly African American and Puerto Rican low-income women who were living with HIV/AIDS in New York City revealed high levels of spirituality and spiritually based coping with HIV. Both spirituality indicators positively correlated with the frequency of receipt of HIV-related social support; they were negatively…