This study examined the impact of explanation seeking on the achievement and attitudes of students in grades 7-10 learning to solve correlational reasoning problems in a cooperative learning setting. Results provided little support for explanation seeking as an achievement strategy due to students' inability to recognize when they needed help and…

This study examined gender-related issues in four Canadian and Asian education systems based on algebra and geometry achievement data. Results suggested that each system affected the academic achievement of males and females in similar ways, although one gender might be affected more seriously than the other. (SM)

Reports a case study that examined the effects of parent policymaking within Head Start, focusing on low-income mothers' involvement, opinions, and impact. Interviews and observations indicated that county Head Start policymakers and administrators had difficulty bringing low-income families into the dialog about policies, programs, and…

Offers four themes in the scaffolding of a critical education that advance grassroots activism in learning communities of praxis (scale, ownership, connection, and enterprise). Presents an example of a youth development project that affirms democracy via shared decision making, group motivation, self-esteem, and agenda setting opportunities…

This study investigated the long-term implementation of the Teenage Health Teaching Modules by trained teachers. Surveys examined the extent of implementation and factors related to implementation. Results indicated that most schools and teachers continued to use it, though many failed to maintain implementation fidelity. Barriers to…

Describes the Adolescent Health Service and its multidisciplinary, school-linked, community-based health clinic located in Jerusalem (Israel). Reviews of the files of the clinic's first 134 clients indicated that the clinic population was mainly female Jewish residents. Most referrals came from schools. Psychosocial issues and nutrition were the…

This review examined school-based drug abuse prevention programs for 1989-94. From a literature review and interviews with a panel of experts in prevention research, 11 key components of effective prevention curricula were identified. These components are listed and discussed briefly. Dissemination of effective prevention programs is discussed.…

This paper examines nine school-based peer mediation and conflict resolution projects supported by four state health departments, describing differences in targeted students, project consultants, teacher and student training, teaching methods, curriculum content, mediation format, complementary strategies, project cost, and project evaluation. (SM)

This study surveyed Australian adolescents about smoking cessation behavior, analyzing previous quitting experience and intentions to quit. Previous quitters and those who intended to quit were significantly more likely to consider cessation assistance options acceptable than nonquitters and nonintenders. Saving money was an important variable in…

This study analyzed the association between physical activity level and cigarette, smokeless tobacco, and marijuana use among public high school students. Youth Risk Behavior Survey data showed significant associations among white males for use of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and marijuana. Higher physical activity levels were inversely…

Examines changes in knowledge structures and beliefs related to class management experienced by middle school preservice teachers (n=23). The study charts changes in concerns, skills, and attitudes through the initial, middle, and concluding student teaching stages. A framework of change for class management concepts is reported and influences…

A study of five mentors in a K-5 professional development school investigated how mentors talk about their theories of how novices learn to teach, use different sources of knowledge to help novices learn to teach, and model and encourage critical reflection about critical issues in teacher education. (IAH)

Time pressures, meeting children's needs, dealing with nonteaching tasks, maintaining early childhood philosophy and practice, meeting personal needs, parent issues, interpersonal relationships, and attitudes and perceptions about early childhood programs were the major sources of stress that were identified in a study of eight Australian…

This study of 25 teachers in literature-based language arts programs in poor urban areas found that assessment issues produce considerable conflict for teachers as they attempt to understand and track children's literacy development and their own effectiveness in teaching children to read and write. Results suggest that assessment is not merely a…

Results from a study of at-risk boys in a summer camp suggest that critical thinking can be fostered effectively in an instructional framework that emphasizes teacher modeling, an indirect approach to instruction, group collaboration, and strategy facilitation. The study examined changes in critical- thinking scores, as well as teacher and student…