Disputes beliefs contributing to the increasing skepticism toward higher education: many students are unable to benefit from higher education; enrollment declines are inevitable; the labor market cannot absorb all college graduates; the nation cannot afford its higher educational system; and higher education weakens the work ethic and propagates…

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)

Analyzes the controversy surrounding bilingual education policy-making in New York City during winter 2000-01. Although bilingual education supporters prevented the intended "wipeout" of bilingual education programs, the "political storm" left these programs underfunded and systemic issues (growing numbers of English language…

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…

Explores the effects of layoffs on work behavior and attitude of employees not laid off. Study results indicate that survivors become more withdrawn from their jobs if they believe management handled the layoff unfairly, and these tendencies are more evident if layoff victims were included in survivors' scope of justice. (JS)

Reports on two studies designed to develop and evaluate the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire-Positive (ATQ-P), a measure of positive automatic thinking that is complementary to the ATQ, a measure of negative thinking in psychopathology. Describes results suggesting that ATQ-P is reliable and valid measure of positive thinking. (Author/NB)

Reports a study on minimum competency testing in American high schools. Discusses the effects on students who fail to pass it, and the perceptions of educators and administrators about the value and barrier aspects of these tests. Implications of the findings for research, policy making, and educational practice are explored. (JS)

Critically examines discrepancies between parents' and children's views of the family, which have been thought to indicate failure, dysfunction, or negative aspects of family relations. Questions what level and types of disagreements should be tolerated, or even celebrated, in families. (ET)

A survey of 227 academically talented elementary students and 236 not so identified found that gifted students often begin with positive attitudes toward school but fail to maintain these attitudes because of the lack of appropriate challenge. There was no difference between the groups in level of boredom. (Author/JDD)

Examines attitudes and responses toward epilepsy among families of 31 epileptic Tewa children, utilization of modern health care services, and parent reluctance to discuss traditional beliefs and healing practices. Discusses models of chronic illness behavior and the inadequacies of Indian Health Service treatment of epileptic children. Contains…

A survey of 197 entering university students during summer orientation found students had significantly more negative attitudes toward Arabs in 2 situations (boarding an airplane, getting financial help), and more positive attitudes in buying a used car from a salesperson. Findings suggest attitudes toward Arabs have become more tolerant since a…

This article addresses the international community's differing attitudes on mandatory retirement. The authors explored various factors, such as sociodemographics and political ideology and the latter's predictive value for attitudes on compulsory retirement. Education proved the strongest sociodemographic predictor. Most Americans opposed mandated…

Examines causes of female negativity towards technology and presents ways to improve female attitudes and increase involvement in technology education. Discusses the bridging of the gender gap to allow females and males to achieve equality in technology fields. Describes online resources, television programs, and groups that promote female…

Examined the temporal association between body image and depressive symptoms in African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and white adolescents. Found that girls were more influenced by body image change than boys. Compared to other ethnic groups, African American girls experienced a greater increase in psychological distress as body…