Predictors of Chinese early childhood program quality: Implications for policies

This study explores the relationship between structural variables and program quality in early childhood programs across economic, sociocultural, and policy contexts in Zhejiang, China. Using the Chinese Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (CECERS), researchers collected data in 162 randomly selected classrooms representative of the sociocultural and economic conditions of Chinese early childhood programs. The findings showed that a set of program structural variables accounted for 60% of the variance in overall program quality. Similar findings were shown for two specific program quality indicators: structural quality (‘Provisions for Learning’) and process quality (‘Teaching & Interaction’). Results suggest that policy makers in early childhood education in China should offer more benefits and training for teachers, recognize teachers' professional qualifications, and maintain lower child-to-teacher ratio to improve Chinese ECE programs.     

Children in Foster Care: A Longitudinal Investigation,by David Fanshel and Eugene B. Shinn. Columbia University Press,New York, 1978. $25. 520 Pp.

This article presents findings of an exploratory study addressing social work program practices regarding psychiatric disabilities among social work students. An e-mail invitation to participate in an online survey was sent to approximately 875 social work educators, with 71 individuals choosing to participate. The findings indicated that 88% of respondents were in programs that had made accommodations and slightly less than 33% were in programs that had psychiatric disability policies. A positive relationship between ratings of the effectiveness of the accommodations and ratings of employability of students with psychiatric disabilities was found. These findings suggest that additional studies are needed to identify effective ways to deal with the complex legal and educational issues involved with accommodations and support.     

Determinants of willingness to pay for coastal zone quality improvement

Individuals’ decision to use a particular coastal beach is influenced by their preferences and perceptions as well as site's characteristics. This study examines visitors’ attributes and desired site specific characteristics in order to determine the factors affecting willingness to pay (WTP) for an improvement quality (environment, water as well as recreation activities) program. A contingent valuation survey was carried out in order to evaluate the economic benefits of improving coastal zone quality. The study area was coastal line of an area in Central Greece (Volos) where some beaches failures to meet the standards of the Blue Flag program. Our empirical findings suggest that the major variables affecting respondents’ willingness to pay were related to previous environmental behavior. The previous respondents’ participation in environmental protection programs by paying an amount was the most important determinate parameter for their WTP. Income, age, gender, coastal recreational activities and environmental quality of the site plays an important role to people's WTP for quality improvement of coastal zone.     

Can willingness to pay capture the value of altruism? An exploration of Sen’s notion of commitment

Amartya Sen’s distinction between sympathy and commitment is used to examine the assertion that willingness to pay (WTP) can capture the value of altruism in health care. Willingness to pay values for a vaccination program stated to benefit only one’s self in the first instance and only other people in the second instance were elicited from a small convenience sample. Qualitative methods were then used to explore the meaning of the responses. Commitment was found to be a motivating factor and drove a wedge between willingness to pay and valuation of the program. The consequences of this for health economic research are discussed.     

Enrollment Decisions in a Child Development Accounts Program for Low-Income Families

This exploratory study analyzed factors that influenced parental decision to enroll in a child development accounts program for their pre-school children’s college education. Data used is from a savings demonstration program in a Midwestern U.S. state. Of the individual, household and service-level variables, only the level of parent’s education and the program orientation about the accounts offered to parents were significantly associated with enrollment decision. Analyzed variables explained 79.0% of the decision to enroll. Results provide limited support for an institutional mechanism to help low-income families participate in child development savings accounts program. Implications are directed towards program and policy implementation of similar programs.     

Participation in biodiversity conservation: Motivations and barriers of Australian landholders

Biodiversity conservation programs that appeal to landholders’ motivations and minimise their barriers to participation may result in both increased uptake rates and improved ecological outcomes. To understand their motivations and barriers to conserve biodiversity, qualitative interviews were conducted with 45 landholders who had participated in one of three different programs in Queensland, Australia. The results revealed that the landholders’ decisions to participate depended on the level of formal biodiversity protection offered by the program, potential changes to their property rights, personal benefits of participation, and the program objectives. Landholders’ motivations related to conservation, production, financial and experimental imperatives. Common barriers to participation were lost productivity, different interpretations of what constituted “conservation”, and limits to future development and land use options. Voluntary and economic policy instruments can be used to stimulate participation and overcome barriers, but must be applied with care to reduce the creation of perverse ecological outcomes, such as slippage and low additionality.     

How much is enough? Willingness to participate in alcohol interventions

This study examined the willingness of drinkers to participate in alcohol interventions designed to cut down or stop alcohol use by degree of service-provider contact. One hundred fifty-six university students and staff who attended a campus health fair participated in an alcohol survey. Of the college drinkers, 73.7% reported they were willing to participate in one or more alcohol interventions with minimal provider contact, compared with 48.5% who said they would participate in programs with high provider contact. Respondents preferred minimal-contact strategies (use of nonalcoholic or low-alcohol beverages, information pamphlets, cash awards, television programs, and mailed instructions) to high-contact approaches. Men were significantly more willing (ps less than .05) than women to participate in nearly half (11 to 21) of the alcohol interventions. Three measures indicative of motivation to control drinking were significantly associated with greater willingness to participate in nearly all strategies. This study also suggested that drinkers who were highly motivated to control their drinking did not prefer minimal-contact interventions over high-contact interventions.     

The Relevance of Personal Therapy in the Education of MSW Students

Much controversy exists among social work educators about the effectiveness and relevance of personal therapy during a MSW program. The current study examined this issue by surveying social work faculty at the 12 single-track clinical programs in North America (n = 148) and MSW students (n = 139) at one of these programs. Significantly more of the MSW students surveyed felt that personal therapy was essential or important to their social work education than did the faculty. Students surveyed expressed a desire to increase self-awareness and a willingness to participate in therapy when needed.     

Correlates of plant nutrient use among Ohio farmers: Implications for water quality initiatives

Data were collected from 1,305 land owner-operators in the Scioto River watershed in Ohio to assess plant nutrient use at the farm level. The theoretical perspective used to guide the study was formulated from selected components of social learning theory and the farm structure model. Nutrient use was operationalized as pounds of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium applied per acre for corn, soybeans and wheat. The variance in nutrients per acre was regressed against selected predictive variables. Characteristics of the farm enterprise and measures of learning experiences were used as predictive variables to examine the merits of the theoretical perspective used to guide the investigation. While the study findings were consistent with research expectations, the amount of explained variance demonstrated that the theoretical model had limited utility for predicting nutrient application rates at the farm level. The research findings are discussed in the context of future resource conservation efforts in the study region.     

Participation as a right to the city: Iranian children’s perspectives about their inclusion in urban decision-making

To assess children's willingness to participate in decision-making about urban environments, Iranian children were invited to tell their stories about child inclusion in city affairs. The findings demonstrate children's enthusiasm to have a say, their suggestions of how their ideas can be integrated into planning, and their competency for participation. Despite their willingness, participants indicated awareness of patriarchal cultural views of children and childhood which continue to exclude them from planning involvement. Being denied the exercise of their rights to the city generates a marginalised status, alienating children from achieving appropriate engagement.     

Feasibility of Internet-based parent training for low-income parents of young children

Parent training programs promote positive parenting and benefit low-income children, but are rarely used. Internet-based delivery may help expand the reach of parent training programs, although feasibility among low-income populations is still unclear. We examined the feasibility of Internet-based parent training, in terms of Internet access/use and engagement, through two studies. In Study 1, 160 parents recruited from Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) centers completed a brief paper survey regarding Internet access and use (all parents received government aid). We found high levels of access, openness, and comfort with the Internet and Internet-enabled devices. In Study 2, a pilot study, we assessed use of an online parenting program in a project with a sample of 89 predominately low-income parents (75% received government aid). Parents learned about a new, online parenting program (the “5-a-Day Parenting Program”) and provided ratings of level of interest and program use 2-weeks and 4-weeks later. Local website traffic was also monitored. At baseline, parents were very interested in using the web-based program, and the majority of parents (69.6%) reported visiting the website at least once. However, in-depth use was rare (only 9% of parents reported frequent use of the online program). Results support the feasibility of Internet-based parent training for low-income parents, as most parent were able to use the program and were interested in doing so. However, results also suggest the need to develop strategies to promote in-depth program use.     

An evaluation of substance abuse aftercare program for homeless women with children using confounding variable-control design

An outcome evaluation of a substance abuse aftercare program for homeless women with children was conducted using confounding variable-control evaluation design. The confounding variables are chosen from pre-treatment and other contextual variables of the clients that are known to have significant influence on the program outcome, but those that could not have been influenced a priori by the client involvement in in-treatment program activity at Transition House (TH). The latter is the independent variable of this evaluation design. The pre-treatment variables are measured by severity of alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems of the clients, their mental health status, age, and their job status before enrollment in the program. The contextual confounding variables are composed of family and social support available to the clients before and during recovery. While applying multiple regression analysis, we were able to explain 50.8% of the total variance in program outcome by four pre-treatment variables. By adding two contextual variables of family and social support, the total variance in program outcome explained is increased to 64.1%. Finally, by adding the degree of client involvement in in-treatment program activity, we were able to augment the total variance of the program outcome to 69.7%. By estimating the changed variance of program outcome by the in-treatment program activity during the final step, controlling for all other variables previously entered, we were able to establish that client involvement in in-treatment program had unique and positive impact on the program outcome distinct from those explained by the confounding variables. The additional variance uniquely added by in-treatment program activity is 5.6% (p < .001). It has been determined that the degree of client involvement in in-treatment program had positive and systematic impact on the program outcome.     

Exchange programs for educators: American and Russian perspectives

International exchange and training programs play a significant role in the development of international cooperation between educators from different nations. More and more teachers and school administrators participate in exchange programs and implement new curricular and instructional practices in their institutions. This paper presents findings of a phenomenological interpretive case study of the impact of international exchange programs for educators on their participants’ pedagogical practices, social status and professional careers. The study was conducted in 2005 in the US and Russia. Through observations and in‐depth interviews with 35 informants, the author compares the perception of exchange programs and their outcomes for American and Russian alumni. The findings demonstrate differences and similarities in participants’ perspectives on their roles in international programs and on the application of program outcomes.     

An Assessment of How Length of Study-Abroad Programs Influences Cross-Cultural Adaptation

Utilizing the integrative theory of communication and cross-cultural adaptation, the present study sought to examine the extent to which the length of study-abroad programs affects individuals' ethnic and cultural identification, willingness to engage in intercultural communication, intercultural communication competence, and cultural adaptation. The results of the study indicate that while length of study-abroad programs was not correlated to cultural adaptation, length of program was associated with changes in cultural and ethnic identification. Moreover, willingness to communicate with members of the host culture was associated with cultural identification as well as intercultural communication competence.     

Students’ Willingness for Future Volunteering in Hong Kong

Volunteering is playing an increasingly bigger role in social services and schools both in Western settings and in the Hong Kong Chinese context. The demand for volunteers in the sector of social services is continually increasing (Sherr 2008). Little is known about the willingness of secondary school students to participate in future volunteering in Hong Kong. This study attempts to explore the phenomenon of youth volunteering through the theory of planned behavior and Personal and Social Responsibility, and identifies prior experience in community service as a main predictor of the willingness of the students to participate in future volunteering. A total of 1046 students from seven secondary schools in Hong Kong completed a structured questionnaire. Social workers, teachers, and volunteer managers could benefit from this study as they could foster students’ willingness to volunteer after graduation by actively engaging them in community service programs early on in a specific time in their life.     

Child Sexual Abuse Intervention: An Exploratory Study of Policy Concerns and Implications for Program Development

ABSTRACT

This exploratory study was designed to determine public opinion regarding intervention options for intrafamilial child sexual abuse offenders, victims, and families. The study investigated the public's willingness to support strategies of victim protection, offender control, and treatment services in various types of child sexual abuse intervention strategies. The respondents to the statewide survey generally supported established, adversarial intervention strategies, and had mixed reactions lo several of the diversion program strategies. The findings suggest that policy makers may have to compromise lo obtain public support when designing and implementing intervention programs for intrafamilial child sexual abuse. The article addresses policy issues and concludes with implications for program development.     

Results of the Doctoral Faculty Publication Project

Results of this longitudinal study of the 1990s revealed that 12 of 61 doctoral faculties (20%) were responsible for 43% of journal articles published. Publication rates of these faculties appeared to accelerate in the 1990s and correlated positively with measures of program size and longevity. However, when all variables were controlled, the perceived academic quality of MSW programs was the sole correlate of faculty publication. Overwhelmingly, faculties of US News and World Report’s most highly rated MSW programs at the end of the decade were also the most frequently published. Implications of these findings are identified and discussed.     

Correlates of Correct Condom Use Among High-Risk African American Men Attending an Urban STD Clinic in the South

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess prevalence and correlates of correct condom use among high-risk African American men attending a publicly funded sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic. Men 18 through 29 years of age and newly diagnosed with an STD were further assessed for study eligibility. Of 296 meeting eligibility criteria, 271 agreed to participate, thereby yielding a participation rate of 91.5%. Correct use, assessed by an index, was reported by 38%. Correct use was associated with having sex with three or fewer female sex partners, being in an exclusive relationship, not indicating problems with the fit or feel of condoms, and not being drunk/high while using condoms. The correct use of condoms among young African American men newly diagnosed with an STD may be a function of situational factors. These factors could potentially be addressed in the context of clinic-based behavioral intervention programs.     

The role of data in evaluating energy conservation programs

The major uncertainty about energy conservation is not its importance in resolving energy problems, but the role of governments vis-a-vis the free market. During the past few years, both the overall efficiency of energy use and the number of government conservation programs increased sharply. However, the extent to which these efficiency improvements were due to government programs is unclear.A key element in the careful evaluation of these conservation programs is data. Data, particularly on energy consumption, are needed to help sort out the effects of government programs relative to market forces. However, data can serve these purposes only if they are accurate, consistent, comprehensive, accessible, and documented. This paper discusses data requirements and current data sources for careful evaluation of energy conservation programs.     

The Effectiveness of a Computerized Self-Help Stress Coping Program with Adult Males

The purpose of this study was to determine if a computerized self-help stress coping program, based upon cognitive learning theory, is effective in reducing stress in adult males. Thirty adult male juvenile counselors were randomly assigned to an experimental or non-participating control group. A computerized self-help stress coping was used over a five week period by those in the experimental group. As hypothesized, no differences were found between the groups on the variables of occupational stress and trait anxiety. However, decreases in personal strain and state anxiety were found along with increases in personal resources. The factor of social support was found to account for the greatest amount of variance in all dependent variables. It was concluded that stress coping computer programs can provide some relief for situational types of stress.