Evaluated effectiveness of Self-Esteem: A Family Affair program with families that had adolescent children. Families, randomly assigned to treatment (N=13) or control (N=14) groups, were measured for self-esteem, family adaptability, family cohesion, and family conflict. A significant difference between treatment and control families on measures…

Describes a 9-district, 750 employee self-insurance cooperative in northeast Missouri that achieved a $90,000 balance over claims in just 9 months of operation. Explains mechanics of plan operation including level of benefits, premiums, financial integrity, and results. (NEC)

Describes a group counseling program that helps retarded inmates develop problem solving skills and learn to use existing resources in their own behalf. An outcome study of 46 inmates indicated combined group and individual counseling was more effective than individual counseling alone. (JAC)

Evaluated an assertion training program for adolescents (N=23) in a middle-school setting. Results showed the group who received the training significantly improved their scores on the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale and the Intellectual Achievement Responsibility Questionnaire. The control group showed no change in their scores. (JAC)

The effect of microcomputers as testing tools was investigated in this study. The performance of students on a classroom evaluation and their attitude about computers were not affected when the evaluation was administered on a microcomputer. Time requirements for this method of testing were also tested. (Author)

Examined the effectiveness of a relaxation training program administered in the context of an English class for 19 Canadian high school seniors. Significant reductions were observed in state and trait anxiety, and student comments were positive. (JAC)

Providing early intervention services for disabled children is a relatively new endeavor for school psychologists. Most school psychologists have not received formal training--yet are providing evaluation and intervention services to preschool children. Major efficacy issues and research data on early intervention for young disabled children are…

Mechanics courses at West Virginia University are taught exclusively from programed instructional materials. Presents: (1) descriptions of these courses; (2) data indicating higher achievement by students participating in programed courses compared to students in courses using the lecture method; and (3) reasons for the success of the courses. (DH)

The authors argue that relatively few local governments conduct rigorous cost-benefit evaluations of their supervisory training and management development programs. The authors conclude that more attention to upper-level evaluation is warranted and provide an evaluation grid with practical suggestions for each level of training program evaluation.…

This article addresses itself to the issue of accurate assessment techniques. The authors look at three assessment techniques--psychological tests, assessment centers and "biodata"--and compare them in terms of the information they provide, their accuracy, and ease of implementation. (Author/CT)

Describes a program in the Somerville, Massachusetts, elementary schools, designed to help children cope with the emotional distress of family alcoholism and to prevent them from abusing alcohol in adolescence or adulthood. Program structure and results are discussed. (JAC)

Gifted eighth graders in a rural district participated in a program addressing their needs for stimulating educational experience and the needs of institutionalized elderly people for psychosocial stimulation. The project's successes and problems are described within the framework of the developmental stages of groups. (Author/CL)

Investigated whether directing mothers to make weekly appointments to visit the neonatal intensive care unit would generalize to increase the frequency of independent maternal visiation and affect maternal perceptions of the infant and infants' length of hospitalization. (Author/RH)

Three comprehensive health education programs in Michigan were studied to examine curricular content, student outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. Programs differed in areas of teacher training time, materials, cost, and length of implementation time. Results are presented. (Author/DF)

Positive public sentiment for physical educators is necessary for better budgets, facilities, curricula, time segments, personnel, equipment, and supplies. Favorable public opinion can be developed through a planned public relations program. Several objectives for such a program are discussed. (DF)