Arguing that the burden of homework causes significant family stress--including parent-child conflict, reduced family leisure time, and overly tired children--this book questions whether the benefits of homework are worth its costs. The book examines the historical progression of homework and the influence of international competition on the trend…

This study examined the associations between the early family environment, older siblings' early characteristics, and later sibling relationships. Participating were 37 families with infants and preschool-age older siblings who were observed in the laboratory at 3 time points and followed-up 3 years later. Findings indicated that parents' early…

The author of an article (EC 614 674) on the interaction between mothers and their young children with language impairments reflects on how the topic became of interest to her and what was learned during the course of the study. The need to teach parents to use intervention strategies is emphasized. (CR)

Examines how temporal and status aspects of mothers' jobs during daughters' early childhood, preadolescence, and adolescence affect rate that daughters leave school. Studied 246 white and 188 black daughters aged 18-23. Findings suggest that part-time maternal employment during any point in childhood increases likelihood that black, but not white,…

Differences and relationships between home environment and motivational orientation were examined for 28 higher and 29 lower achieving mainland Puerto Rican children in grades 5 and 6. Post-hoc multiple regression analysis revealed that family involvement accounted for a significant amount of variance with regard to achievement. (SLD)

New Jersey's governor describes his state's response to the problems and needs of adolescents by creating the School-Based Youth Services Program. The program involves schools and community agencies in the provision of comprehensive services to teenagers, including mental health and family counseling, health services, and other interventions. (AF)

This study assessed physically abused/neglected and nonabused/nonneglected children (n=206) at preschool and elementary school age to identify variables significantly affecting children's behavioral functioning. Behavioral functioning was most strongly differentiated by the sociocultural and family climate in which the child was raised, with…

Explores the relationships among family, community, and classroom teaching as they inform the perspectives of African-Canadian women teachers on teaching African-Canadian children. Interviews and observations of five teachers demonstrate how they fight for social justice and the academic achievement of their students. (SLD)

This paper describes the home and school experiences of 12 children from bilingual (mostly Chinese/English) homes who, before beginning first grade, demonstrated advanced ability to comprehend written English. Results demonstrate that lack of fluency in oral English should not exclude children from advanced instruction in reading. (Author/JDD)

Reports on a longitudinal study about social development of approximately 250 German primary school students. Finds that student interaction with peers is the most significant social influence during this period. Describes differences in the ways that boys and girls view social interaction with their classmates. (CFR)

Describes a longitudinal investigation designed to study emotional disorders over the course of adolescence in children of depressed parents (beginning in sixth grade). The "Development of Depression" project integrates family processes, cognitions, and life events to examine the mechanisms leading to depressive symptoms and disorders.…

Reviews psychopathologic risk factors for adolescent suicide and suicidal behavior, namely, affective, disruptive, substance abuse, psychotic, and personality disorders. Discusses interaction of psychopathology with age and gender. Reviews role of family environmental risk factors and stress events in suicide and suicidal behavior, both alone and…

Child-care and health-care professionals joined efforts in the "Healthy Child Care America" campaign to ensure that children are cared for in environments that are safe and healthy. Goals of the campaign include raising awareness of the importance of quality child care, and involving more people in the nationwide effort to improve…

Longitudinally examined the effects of foster care placement versus remaining at home upon the psychological function of 64 African American, sexually abused girls 5-16 years old. Both groups showed declines in affective distress and depression. Overall, there were no significant differences in the psychological function of the girls who remained…

Notes that young adolescents arrive at school greatly influenced by their home environments and are then influenced by school experiences. Notes that students with risk factors at home and school have difficulty succeeding. Recounts story of a young adolescent male to illustrate impact of school and home on school performance, highlighting the…