The Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance: Does It Work with Low-Income Urban Children?

The present study represents a twofold investigation wherein ( a ) the construct validity of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children (PSPCSA) and ( b ) the developmental appropriateness of the PSPCSA were empirically examined for urban Head Start children. Data were collected from a sample of 476 African-American children (48–64 months) representing children enrolled in a large metropolitan Head Start program. In the first study, neither replication of the test author's statistical procedures nor a series of exploratory factor analyses produced psychologically meaningful constructs. A second study tested the assumption that the PSPCSA administration format is developmentally appropriate for preschool children. Results from this study did not support the assumption that the PSPCSA is developmentally appropriate for preschool children. Implications for establishing valid assessment methods for urban Head Start children were discussed.     

Raising Reading Standards: What is the Headteacher's Role?

The role of the headteacher has been identificed as one of the key characteristics of schools which achieve high standards of reading. Eve Bearne here presents the findings of an evaluation which reveals ways in which headteachers influence reading standards, particularly through in-service provision. The evaluation's aim was to assess the effectiveness of in-service courses in raising standards of achievement in reading and to consider the implications for school provision and future in-service arrangements. One factor which emerged strongly was the importance of the headteacher's role in managing reading provision in the primary school. It appeared that where the headteacher had taken a proactive role, developments were likely to be more firmly and permanently established and staff more secure in extending their practice.     

Parental Involvement in Math Homework: Links to Children’s Performance and Motivation

The present study examined the longitudinal associations between children’s perceptions of parental involvement in math homework (control and support) and their math performance and motivation (task-persistent homework behavior and math self-concept). Children (n = 512) reported their perceptions concerning parental involvement in sixth-grade math homework. In grades 3 and 6, children completed math tests, evaluated own math self-concept, and their mothers (n = 420) evaluated task persistence during homework. The results showed that low self-concept in math predicted increased parental control, which in turn related to low math performance, task persistence, and math self-concept. Second, perceived parental support was related to increased task persistence during homework. Finally, parental control was especially detrimental for boys’ task persistence and math self-concept.     

AN INTERVIEW WITH KIMMO LEHTONEN

In this interview, Dr. Kimmo Lehtonen discusses the current “state of the art” regarding creativity in Scandinavia, Europe, and around the world. He explores the training of teachers, prodigies, and art and music therapy. Dr. Lehtonen examines the issue of computers relative to creativity and various theoretical explanations for the phenomenon of creativity. Personality factors are examined and explored, and future concerns are delineated.