Outlines the social and practical problems faced by foster care graduates and discusses these issues in the light of recent research in England and Wales. Offers ideas on how these problems may be ameliorated in general and outlines the way the new British child care law has provided a framework for action by practitioners. (AA)

A larger proportion of nonmetropolitan elderly assess their health as fair or poor when compared to elderly living in metropolitan areas. In addition, larger proportions of elderly living in nonmetropolitan areas have less than a high school education and income below $20,000--factors contributing to a higher incidence of poor health. (LP)

Effectiveness of the Mantel-Haenszel statistic in detecting differentially functioning test items was studied when the internal criterion was varied, using a dataset from a life skills examination taken by 1,000 Anglo-American and 1,000 Native American high school students. Choice of criterion variable has a substantial effect on detection. (SLD)

Three methods of designating everyday-dysfunction cases in the Colorado Social Health Survey are compared for a sample of 4,745 adults. The clinical judgment approach was chosen as the primary method of identification, with the statistical deviation criterion a backup. The patient criterion group approach was less useful. (SLD)

Physical activity has preventive and therapeutic benefits for the frail elderly. Physicians must educate patients about exercise benefits. Walking, flexibility, and strength training can prevent muscle weakness and impaired gait and balance. Changes in functional capacity can create greater independence in daily living. Physical activity also…

This study of community-based instruction with 34 high school students with moderate to profound mental retardation found (1) students made significant gains in 3 of 4 independent behavior domains; and (2) amount of community-based instruction was a more powerful predictor of gains than were intelligence quotient, level of student ambulation, or…

A graduated guidance procedure was used to teach 4 boys (ages 9-14) with autism to follow photographic activity schedules to increase on-task and on-schedule behavior. Use of the schedules produced sustained engagement which generalized to a new schedule with a new sequence of photographs. Subjects were able to independently change activities in…

Describes one educator's efforts to spread the word to Latino immigrants about free English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classes at the local community college, which he considers key to helping them adjust to life in the United States and create a better quality of life. The program includes basic training in ESL, remedial education, job training,…

This study examined the use of a palmtop computer running a software program by transition-age students with cognitive disabilities to increase independence on vocational and independent living tasks. The purpose of this research was to test the hypotheses that a palmtop computer utilizing a Windows CE platform with touch screen capabilities and…

Psychosocial smoking prevention studies have shown inconsistent results and theory-driven programs have been related to program success. This meta-analysis was used as a judgment tool for resolving these issues by estimating average program effects and investigating the relative efficacy of program types. The present study examined 65 adolescent…

Purpose: This study examines the value of self-reported health (SRH) as an indicator of underlying health status in a developing country setting. Design and Methods: Logistic regression methods with adjustments for multistage sampling are used to examine the factors associated with SRH in 2,921 men and women aged 50 and older in rural Bangladesh.…

On 4 November 2004, the Collegia of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation discussed priorities for the development of the education system in the country. The document examined during that meeting identified a number of problems in the implementation of educational reforms in Russia. Among the problems identified was the…

Since passage of Public Law 94-142 in 1975, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, much debate has occurred regarding how to address curriculum in terms of meeting needs of students within various special education categories. Recently, more discussion has emerged regarding transition and curriculum geared towards assisting with this…

Social incompetence is a significant cause of postsecondary maladjustment for the learning disabled. The literature is reviewed on factors critical to occupational success; social development of the learning disabled; major social incompetencies (specifically, social perception and problem solving, task-related social behaviors, and social…

The article discusses the benefits of craft, design, and technology (CDT) activities for children with special educational needs. Activities such as craftwork can contribute to improved motor skills, self-image, and basic language and math skills. CDT teachers are encouraged to adapt their teaching methods and styles to meet special needs. (JW)