This study used a posttest only control group design to measure the attitudes of people who experience a major mental disability towards others with a mental illness. Each group watched a video: the experimental group a video on mental illness and the control group a video on anger management. Each group discussed the video and their own experiences. The hypothesis was that knowledge on the part of the participants of the life circumstances of others with a mental disability would increase acceptance of people with a mental disability. The results were not significant at $p=.5$. Differences at a 1-month follow-up were also not significant at $p=.066$.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify the academic and non-academic problems of adjustment to the American culture and educational system as perceived by Latin American students attending selected California universities. A second purpose was to identify and compare the differences in problems perceived in undergraduate male and female Latin American students from their respective viewpoints. A third purpose was to identify the expected readjustment problems when the students return to their countries. The fourth purpose was to determine the nature and the helpfulness of the orientation program needed before the students came to the U.S., and after their arrival. Procedure. The survey questionnaire method was used to obtain the relevant data from the Latin American students. The sample population of this study consisted of 240 undergraduate students who met the criteria set for the inclusion of the students to be studied. The responses to the questionnaire statement by number of students who actually responded, were analyzed by using percentages and one way analysis of variance at the .05 level of significance. Conclusions. The findings of this study indicated that: (1) The major academic problems encountered by Latin American students were found to be in the basic communication areas and of writing, reading, and oral skills. In addition, students found it difficult to participate in classroom discussion because of their lack of confidence in their general use of the English language. Students did not receive adequate assistance in academic program planning in courses that were compatible with the needs and goals of their native countries. (2) Major non-academic problems related to the unavailability of sufficient financial aid, insufficient international news relating to the political status of their country, adjusting to social interaction, food, time orientation, household chores. (3) There were minor significant differences between males and females in their perception of academic and non-academic problems. (4) No significant differences existed between males and females in their opinions of the problems they will encounter upon returning home. The major area of concern of both males and females groups was primarily centered upon the fear that new innovations would not be accepted in their countries. (5) The findings indicated a high percentage of students who participated neither in an orientation program in the American universities nor in Latin American universities. Recommendations. (1) A complete program of orientation should include a predeparture orientation offered by their native country governments or sponsoring institutions. (2) The American universities should provide an extensive orientation program in both academic and non-academic areas. (3) It would be helpful if the foreign student be met by an American student sponsor who would help him/her find housing, facilitating their initial adjustment to the new environment. (4) Periodical meetings with the Foreign Students Advisor and academic Advisor would give an opportunity to Latin American students of communicating with others in seeking solutions to their problems. (5) Students should be proficient in communication skills before starting their academic program. (6) The academic curriculum in American universities should include practical training and field work experiences in the areas of study undertaken by Latin American students.

This study investigated clients' perceptions of two approaches to ending homelessness in the United States: the Continuum of Care approach and a Housing First approach. Data were collected about perceived differences between the Continuum of Care and Housing First models of resolving homelessness. The study was conducted at an award-winning Housing First program in Los Angeles County, California. Successful completion of the Housing First approach was examined. This research employed a descriptive case study design, using multiple sources of evidence to investigate a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context. Nine clients were interviewed who had experienced both the Continuum of Care and Housing First approaches. The clients comprised a convenience sample that was selected in collaboration with the Housing First staff. Clients' perceptions of the two approaches were obtained primarily via the use of standardized open-ended interviews and informal conversational interviews. Clients' perceptions of the two approaches suggested that clients considered the Housing First approach to ending homelessness to be more effective than the Continuum of Care approach. The Housing First approach uses engagement of the clients by staff, teaching the clients to use tools of empowerment, and finally supporting the clients into a life of self-reliance.

An individual's friendship networks are relationships that assist in coping with life's challenges on a daily basis. Individuals failing to receive nurturing and reinforcement from their networks can have their mental health jeopardized. Within the chronic mentally ill, these failures have been found to result in higher re-admission rates into inpatient care. It is important to have opportunities to establish social networks that could assist with daily life struggles, and prevent decompensation requiring hospitalization. This study's purpose was to implement social skills training to promote social skill development, leisure skill development, and foster development of a social network. Participants were selected by whose score fell below the median (N = 49) of Mortweet's Perceived Social Support Questionnaire (1991). Training lasted for 10 weeks with a pre/posttest control group with pre-existing groups experimental design. Despite not having any significant training effects revealed in data, I believe training was successful based on self-reports and observations of participants getting involved in activities since completion of training (bowling league, school, attending day programs, finding a job). (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of a freshman orientation course on the academic performance and retention of new community college students. This study was designed to obtain quantitative as well as qualitative data. In part one, a survey was distributed to students, who attended Coral College from the fall of 1996 through the fall of 1999, completed Guidance 10 and scored no higher than a level one or a level two on 2 out of 3 of the assessment tests. Survey data was used to frame interview questions for the qualitative part of the study. In part two, 12 students, who completed Guidance 10 and returned a survey, were interviewed to investigate in greater depth how the course did or did not influence them to stay enrolled in college. Interviews were used to give students the opportunity to share their stories and how their experiences in Guidance 10 influenced them to stay enrolled in college. Data from the interviews suggested that a relationship between the course objectives and the respondents' grade point averages does not exist. However, the data from the interviews indicated that there is a relationship between the course objectives and retention. Respondents identified particular aspects of the orientation course that influenced them to stay enrolled in college. Meeting with a counselor, going on a campus tour, learning time management, learning to speak in front of others, and learning about the potential earnings of a college graduate were aspects of the course that influenced students to persist in college. Counselors and faculty are encouraged to continue to recommend this course to new students, and administrators are advised to ensure that there are a sufficient number of sections available for new students trying to enroll in the course. Finally, the institution must make a commitment to retention and investigate various methods to retain students through some type of orientation. Recommendations are made for educators, who can make a difference in their educational institutions and influence change, which will affect the retention of new community college students.

Studies of female at-risk students have proved minimal with specific regard to those leaving the comprehensive high school in order that they may attend alternative programs. Research on related literature concerning the history of education in the United States, effective instructional practices, appropriate grade level curriculum, school structure and climate, and at-risk students with emphasis on the female gender was examined. Studies were also completed using survey instruments and focused interviews involving students enrolled at three continuation high schools in northern California. Students responded that attendance and low academic performance influenced their decision to leave the comprehensive high school. Other factors affecting: their enrollment included large class size, lack of teacher instructional support, mismatch of student ability to courses in which they were enrolled, and an insufficient offering of courses and extra curricular options that were attractive to them. Students did acknowledge that they were encouraged to do their best by teachers at the continuation high school. Easily established friendships was a second positive reflection of participants. Recommendations for instructional application and future research are included within the dissertation. The research of this study focused on site controlled factors which influenced female students' decision to discontinue their education at the comprehensive high school in favor of an alternative educational program. The findings of this research, therefore, is under the control of both educators and policymakers and very much in the realm of direct influence. Educational leaders are encouraged to review these findings for consideration in refining school practices and decisions for restructuring school design.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.