Although community-based treatment strategies have gained in prominence, recipients of those services still suffer from negative labeling and public reactions. To investigate differential effects of labels and/or descriptions of handicaps on attitudes toward disabilities, two studies were conducted. In the first study, 140 college students (65%…

A study of the gravity of non-native speakers' speech errors, particularly as viewed in the workplace, was based on two assumptions: that certain features of spoken English contribute more to speech acceptability than others, and that native speakers have an internalized, ordered list of criteria for making judgments about non-native speakers'…

Free speech of subjects with somatization and paranoia was analyzed to identify and compare self-concept dimensions reflected in their lexical choices. The somatization disorder group conveyed a sense of negativism, distress, and preoccupation with an uncertain self-identity. The paranoid patients portrayed an artificially positive, grandiose…

Tracing its evolution and stressing the role of native language instruction, a proponent of bilingual education argues that native language instruction allows simultaneous content and second language skill development, diminishes alienation, and facilitates intellectual development, and that criticism of such instruction is founded on emotional…

Several steps are presented to help the principal change a school's climate from negative to positive by developing a positive personal attitude. Included are: having a plan of action, managing time effectively, and motivation of one's self and one's staff. (KC)

Makes suggestions for persuading publicity-shy faculty that talking to reporters can be useful to their research and the institution. Arguments include that their participation may result in increased funding, new constituents, productive collaboration, impact on public policy/public opinion, benefit to the profession, and more control by the…

Describes the Parent Observation System, a recent effort to provide help for resistant parents. This effort attempts to get specific parents into a more active involvement in their child's education and thus reduce the parent's resistance to school personnel services. Parent observation forms and related materials are appended. (NB)

A case study approach was used to explore the sources of negative attitudes toward writing of three unskilled college freshman writers. The studies included interviews both with the students concerning their writing histories and with their former high school English teachers. In addition, information was gathered about their verbal abilities and…

Two problems for academic deans in getting faculty involved in faculty development are motivating teachers and ensuring receptive participation. Active administrator commitment is essential, and participation can be encouraged by laying groundwork carefully, actively promoting concern for good teaching, appointing a department contact person for…

Proposes specific public relations practices, aimed at parents, that will make the public more aware of the invaluable work done by English teachers. (RL)

Examines causes of urban teacher burnout; offers suggestions to secondary urban reading teachers on ways to experiment with methods of evaluation, instruction, and selection of materials, as well as on ways to achieve self-growth and to model for their students continuous effort toward learning. (GT)

Outlines a lesson guide to enhance the empathy of students toward South Asians who are victims of discrimination. It is most useful as part of a unit on World War II. Activities include short readings with reaction statements which students respond to, and examples of acts of bravery by the East Indian Army during World War II. (KC)

Presents a step-by-step guide to the fund-raising telephone call, designed for volunteers in college and university phonathons. Includes asking for the donor, introducing oneself, giving the reason for the call, verifying prospect records, establishing rapport, dealing with both positive and negative responses, suggesting alternatives, summarizing…

Successful implementation of mainstreaming special needs preschool children requires a comprehensive and meaningful planning stage. An approach is described which emphasizes breaking down negative attitudes of parents and teachers, and uses reverse mainstreaming in which children from regular classrooms visit the classes of handicapped children…

It is possible to change negative or biased attitudes of American secondary and college students studying French by using "cognitive dissonance" to infuse conflicting ideas or cognitions into the curriculum and help students resolve the resulting anxiety. Students will then become aware of the diversity of ideas and cultural practices,…