Examines African-American family life portrayals (BFLPs) on commercial television during the 1985-86 season, and considers BFLPs as a model for social learning by children. Analysis of the "Cosby Show,""227," and "Charlie & Company" indicates that more positive BFLPs are emerging, which may provide possible role…

A procedure for interpreting multiple-discrimination indices from a multidimensional item-response theory analysis is described and demonstrated with responses of 1,635 high school students to a multiple-choice test. The procedure consists of converting discrimination parameter estimates to direction cosines and analyzing the angular distances…

Discusses the application of "say-do" (a technique which compares students' verbal commitment to positive behavior with the actual behavior) correspondence training to reduce troublesome behavior in the classroom. Specifically reviews the cases of seven secondary students and traces their responses to this technique. Defends…

Cuban says schools reflect our society's fascination with fads, which increases their vulnerability to pressures from different constituencies. The most long-lasting innovations have avid supporters and equitable intent. Kindergarten and preschool education are prime examples. Policymakers' efforts to change classroom teaching practice usually…

Focuses on a lesson plan that uses reader-response theory to engage students in a study of a short poem about the holocaust. Reader response theory maintains that each reader brings valuable insight and experience to the interpretation of a work. Includes an annotated bibliography on Holocaust poetry. (MJP)

Reports on a study comparing attitudes of Russian and Estonian students at Estonia's Tartu University. The study documented the students expectations of future success and stability for upcoming stages of their life. Correlates these attitudes with the personal and demographic information provided by the students. (MJP)

Presents four articles illustrating the impact of children's changing schools: (1) "Managing Changes in Primary Teachers" (Carla Gwinn); (2) "Losing a Child from a Primary Teaching Group: Breaking Up Is Hard to Do!" (Brooke Harrington); (3) "What to Say to Children Who Are Leaving" (Kay Albrecht); and (4) "Those Bonds Remain Forever" (Linda…

This study assessed collateral effects during unstructured dinnertime family interactions of two different paradigms for training parents of 17 children with autism. One taught individual target behaviors serially, and the other taught the pivotal responses (PRT) of motivation and responsivity to multiple cues. Results suggested the PRT…

Although educational uses of computers and video seem to be increasing, no one knows exactly what kind of technology is used; what is available to teachers; or what is broken, worn out, or in unopened boxes. The technology revolution is proceeding slowly in schools, due to insufficient time, money, and taxpayer commitment. (MLH)

Examines the occupational, managerial, and personal factors contributing to teacher burnout. Briefly reviews the relevant literature covering key characteristics and definitions. Includes a discussion of active and passive coping strategies. (MJP)

A 17-year longitudinal study of 375 individuals found that, at age 21, almost 11% reported physical or sexual abuse before age 18. Compared to nonabused counterparts, abused subjects demonstrated significant impairments in functioning at ages 15 and 21, including more depressive symptomatology, anxiety, psychiatric disorders, emotional-behavioral…

Examines and compares affective orientations of 79 perpetrators, 57 victims, and 70 functional spouses. Perpetrators were significantly more alexithymic than functional spouses but not significantly different from victims. Deficit of positive affect versus the presence of negative affect was a significant indicator of physical abuse reported…

Examines the case of two classes that used online posting of student papers to facilitate peer response critiquing. Reveals how many women may feel that choosing a male pseudonym is necessary for credibility; and sheds light on the readers' responses to particular identities. Considers the significance of gender choices in terms of classroom…

Compares the ratings assigned to audio and videotaped vibrato performances of inexperienced and experienced violinists and violists. Rated the performances on five vibrato factors: width, speed, evenness, pitch stability, and overall sound. Although the experienced players were consistently rated higher, the results suggested that visual cues may…

Reports on a study that investigated the effects of the presence or absence of lyrics in children's musical selections on young children's responses to music. The children responded to either recorded lullabies performed by a women singing, or a solo instrument, or separate pieces with and without lyrics. (MJP)