A study of 97 spelling competition finalists in grades 4-8 and their parents found that the students used dictionaries, science-related texts, and word lists to prepare. The students were intrinsically motivated and had a repertoire of spelling strategies which they used singly or in concert to maximize likely spellings of words. (JDD)

The paper views career development for gifted and talented youth as an organized, long-term commitment which should begin with parents, be fostered by educators, and continue into work settings in which professionals are engaged. At-risk students from backgrounds that do not foster such career development activities require additional assistance.…

This bibliography lists and annotates 10 references on gifted education, including journal articles and book sections. The references deal with curriculum content, creativity, moral reasoning, mathematical problem solving, cooperative learning, minority students' standardized test scores, and minority students' under-representation in gifted…

Reviews the historical background of occupational gender segregation and wage differentials as they relate to vocational education. Discusses the impact of federal legislation on equity and vocational education. Presents the promotion of occupational choice as a pragmatic approach to improving equity and provides models for program improvement.…

A study was designed to determine how well selected academic variables predict student performance on the Communication Skills and General Knowledge portions of the National Teachers Examinations (NTE). A strong association was found between the independent variables, Scholastic Aptitude Test-Verbal scores, and required freshman English grade…

To assist vocational educators with long-range planning, the authors discuss understanding needs assessment and defining needs, describe the levels and stages of needs assessment, and present sources and tools for conducting assessments. (SK)

Vocational educators can express the renewed interest in ethical behavior through a shared monitoring of behavior and through preparing students for ethical dilemmas faced in the future. The authors synthesize guidelines for teaching ethics through the use of ethical dilemmas and deliberation. (Author/JOW)

Examined characteristics of "The Journal of Humanistic Education and Development" and the earlier "Humanist Educator" regarding author information, editorial board membership, and general content. Found that majority of the Association for Humanistic Education and Development officers, editorial board, and authors have been from the southern…

Examined data from 80 publicly funded colleges and universities offering bachelor's degrees in religious studies, religion, or comparative religion. Found disproportionately large amount of class time devoted to Christianity and Judaism, and a large percentage of instructors in departments holding professional theological degrees. (Author/NB)

Investigated educational approach to reduce homophobia effectively among undergraduate university students using explicit films, lectures, discussions, and a gay-lesbian panel. Results revealed that student responses were significantly more positive on the posttest than on the pretest on the Index of Attitudes Toward Homosexuals and that women…

Gathered information from deaf individuals (N=14) about positive psychological and educational development of hearing-impaired persons. Identified six common variables: supportive family climate; frequent and diverse experiences; educational curricula promoting problem-solving, independence, and self-reliance; supplementary opportunities for…

Investigated student teachers' preferences for several methods of classroom management. Fourth-year education students (N=70) were presented with four typical classroom problem behavior scenarios and were offered a choice of four approaches to manage problem. Results revealed that subjects strongly favored humanistic approaches to classroom…

Examined reasons for not using tobacco, alcohol, and various other substances by students in relation to amount of self-reported substance use. Findings from 5,887 students in grades 6 through 12 revealed importance of information, self-concept, recreational and alternative activities, school policy, and adults as role models for use of various…

Describes North Carolina's use of federal funds to implement alcohol and drug programing in public schools. Notes that the state's schools concentrated on developing prevention program, spending only two percent of funds for intervention programs for students already using drugs or alcohol. Discusses reasons for disparity between prevention and…

Describes four-day drug prevention institute designed to prepare high school senior athletes to present prevention activities to junior high and elementary students and to provide early intervention for those athletes who were already experimenting with drugs themselves. Positive response from local school, civic, and community leaders and…