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A study, considering the needs of both classroom teachers and university-based instructors, examined how teachers delineated thematic instruction and translated that conception into practice. A total of 20 teachers, representing 17 classrooms, were observed as they implemented thematic instruction. Team-teaching was observed in two classrooms with student teachers and within a kindergarten program involving a language development specialist. The primary data source was guided interviews conducted individually with each teacher participant after the thematic unit had been completed. Ongoing analysis of the interview transcripts indicated: (1) teachers perceived there was an underlying core to the themes they implemented; (2) teachers described the activities generated from the theme core to be personal, active, integrative and purposeful; (3) teachers reported that barriers such as time constraints, curriculum demands, traditional thinking, and uncertainty obstructed and hampered their implementation of thematic instruction. Findings suggest that research and inservice training programs should be more cognizant of the uncertainties some teachers feel when faced with making instructional change, particularly within settings where traditional thinking is prevalent. (Figures representing models of teacher participants' delineation of thematic instruction and of teacher participants' perceptions of barriers to theme implementation are included.) (RS)

The Computer Animated Reading Instruction System (CARIS) was developed to introduce reading to children with varied sensory, cognitive, and physical handicaps. CARIS employs an exploratory learning approach which encourages children to experiment with the reading and writing of words and sentences. Brief computer-animated cartoons provide the child with visual feedback of the meaning of sentences constructed by the child. Pilot experiments show that children with varied learning handicaps can develop beginning reading skills through use of this system. The possible implications of such systems to current models of reading readiness and psychometric testing are briefly mentioned. (Author)

The Proceedings of PME-XI has been published in three separate volumes because of the large total of 161 individual conference papers reported. Volume I contains four plenary papers, all on the subject of "constructivism," and 44 commented papers arranged under 4 themes. Volume II contains 56 papers (39 commented; 17 uncommented) arranged under 9 themes. Volume III contains 53 papers arranged under 17 themes, and 4 Research Agenda Project papers. Due to space limitations, the subject content of these volumes will be represented by listing the 30 themes used to categorize the papers. Volume I: (1) Affective Factors in Mathematics Learning; (2) Algebra in Computer Environments; (3) Algebraic Thinking; (4) Fractions and Rational Numbers; Volume II: (5) Geometry in Computer Environments; (6) In-Service Teacher Training; (7) Mathematical Problem Solving; (8) Metacognition and Problem Solving; (9) Ratio and Proportion; (10) Number and Numeration; (11) Addition and Subtraction; (12) Rationals and Decimals; (13) Integers; Volume III: (14) Cognitive Development; (15) Combinatorics; (16) Computer Environments; (17) Disabilities and the Learning of Mathematics; (18) Gender and Mathematics; (19) Geometry; (20) High School Mathematics; (21) Effect of Text; (22) Socially Shared Problem Solving Approach; (23) Didactic Engineering; (24) Curriculum Projects; (25) Affective Obstacles; (26) Instructional Strategies; (27) Measurement Concepts; (28) Philosophy, Epistemology, Models of Understanding; (29) Pre-Service Teacher Training; (30) Teritary Level. Each volume contains an author index covering all three volumes. (MKR)

The theme of the meeting reported in this document was "Research in Mathematics Education from an Epistemological Perspective." In addition to the plenary session and reaction papers the conference proceedings contain papers grouped under the headings: (1) algebra; (2) computers and mathematics education; (3) early arithmetic (K-3); (4) geometry and spatial representation; (5) mathematical abilities; (6) pedagogical problems in the teaching of mathematics at the university level; (7) philosophy and perception of mathematics; (8) problem solving; (9) teacher training; (10) understanding, construction of meaning, cognitive levels, diagnosis; and (11) upper elementary and junior high school. The texts of the two plenary sessions and the two reaction papers appear in both English and French. In addition all English presentations offer a French abstract and vice versa. (PK)

We present improved atmospheric parameters of nearby white dwarfs lying within 20 pc of the Sun. The aim of the current study is to obtain the best statistical model of the least-biased sample of the white dwarf population. A homogeneous analysis of the local population is performed combining detailed spectroscopic and photometric analyses based on improved model atmosphere calculations for various spectral types including DA, DQ, and DZ stars. The spectroscopic technique is applied to all stars in our sample for which optical spectra are available. Photometric energy distributions, when available, are also combined to trigonometric parallax measurements to derive effective temperatures, stellar radii, as well as atmospheric compositions. A revised catalog of white dwarfs in the solar neighborhood is completed. Effective temperature, mass distributions, and luminosity function are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selecting astrometric and photometric data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), the Lépine & Shara Proper Motion North Catalog (LSPM-North), the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS), and the USNO-B catalog, we explore a succession of methods to isolate white dwarf (WD) candidates for followup spectroscopy. Our preliminary methods include: reduced proper motion diagram cuts, color cuts, and atmospheric model adherence. After initial spectroscopic observations with the CTIO 4m Blanco telescope, we realized high subdwarf (SD) contamination solely in the cool WD temperature regime (Teff<7000 K). To mitigate SD contamination within this cool Teff regime, we apply linear discriminant analysis (LDA) before continuing with spectroscopic observations at APO. We present spectroscopy of 17 new WDs obtained from CTIO and APO. Additionally, we confirm 28 WDs with spectra available in the SDSS spectral database, for a total of 45 new WD discoveries. We determine physical parameters and distance estimates based on atmospheric models for WDs. Three new WDs are estimated to be within 25 pc and another two are confirmed ZZ Ceti pulsators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim is to compile a catalog of white dwarfs within 40 parsecs of the Sun, in which newly discovered objects would significantly increase the completeness of the current census. White dwarf candidates are identified from the SUPERBLINK proper motion database ([2]), which allows us to investigate stars down to a proper motion limit as low as 40 mas yr-1. The selection criteria and distance estimates are based on a combination of color-magnitude and reduced proper motion diagrams. Candidates with distances less than 50 parsecs are selected for spectroscopic follow-up. We present our preliminary sample of spectroscopically confirmed white dwarfs, as well as their atmospheric parameters. These parameters are obtained using the spectroscopic technique developed in [8] for DA stars. DB, DQ, and DZ stars are also analyzed spectroscopically. For featureless spectra as well as those showing only Hα, we perform a detailed photometric analysis of their energy distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have recently published a new set of model spectra for DA white dwarfs with improved Stark broadening and obtained sound results for the mass distribution of hot DA stars identified in the PG sample. We apply here these improved model spectra to the large SDSS sample of DA white dwarfs that includes many stars cooler than 12,000 K, where the problem of abnormally high surface gravities has been observed. We attempt to determine the best compromise between the size of our selected sample and the signal-to-noise ratio of the optical spectra. We present improvements made in our understanding of the general properties of the sample, such as the mass distribution as a function of effective temperature, and compare the results to other large DA samples. We finally report on the detection of double degenerate binary systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the discovery of the first white dwarf + T dwarf binary system. Systems containing a white dwarf and a brown dwarf are rare but can be used to place constraints on the age of the binary, making them valuable benchmark systems. It is currently not possible to calculate brown dwarf ages from models alone and white dwarfs provide an opportunity to aid the calibration of these models. We describe our program to identify such benchmark binary systems in the latest releases of UKIDSS/SDSS and review the level of constraints currently provided by benchmark objects. Finally we describe the niche age space that white dwarf + brown dwarf binary systems can provide and look at how many more systems may be identified in future surveys, such as VISTA and WISE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a preliminary analysis of the recently discovered carbon-dominated atmosphere white dwarfs ('Hot DQ') based on HST/COS observations. We also present a summary of the recent findings that emerged from our ongoing campaign aimed at obtaining high signal-to-noise optical spectroscopic observations of these objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We summarize salient results from a comprehensive analysis of the optical spectra of a large sample of helium-line DB and DBA white dwarf stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initiatives to develop digital city models, or 'smart cities', have been gaining prominence within the past year, as more people become aware of the power of GIS coupled with 3D visualization to allow government officials and managers to manage assets and perform day-to-day operations, develop sustainable planning initiatives, and collaborate between expert and non-expert groups. However, much of the focus of this new research and implementation has been on large cities, which already possess many of the tools and experts necessary to implement such digital city models. This paper will explore how the digital city idea can be utilized in the context of solid waste management and sustainable planning in a small municipality or largely rural areas with limited resources. By leveraging 3D visualization and GIS functionality to allow stakeholders to collaborate on equal footing, digital city models can help with day-to-day management of solid waste assets and facilities, planning for solid waste and recycling facilities and drop-offs, mapping and planning efficient waste hauler routes, and identifying issues such as underserved populations and illegal dumping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to measure the impact of Project Learning Tree activities on student intrinsic motivation, reading comprehension and interest. If PLT can be linked to achievement and learning teachers will be encouraged to use similar environmental education activities. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is mainly a qualitative look at Vance County, North Carolina. Vance County is typical of many of the so-called \"Black Belt\" counties in the Southeastern US. There is a high amount of inequality among the races both economically and educationally. Through interviews and participant observation, we were able to ascertain an outsiders perspective of Vance County. The purpose of the paper is to gain a better understanding of Vance County, and understanding why the poverty rates are so high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the implementation and effectiveness of a prisoner reentry program for serious and violent young adult offenders returning to a small Midwestern county. Evaluation questions focus on the extent to which clients are appropriately identified, screened, and processed through the program, in addition to quantifying the services clients received while in the program. In turn, these factors will be related to program outcomes such as graduation and post-program recidivism. Much of the data used for this study comes from automated program records; however, interviews, surveys with offenders, and direct observation of treatment services were also used. Process and outcome evaluation results are presented. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inconsistencies in yield and fiber quality are of paramount concern to breeders, producers, and the textile industry. Improvements in consistency of fiber uniformity and other fiber properties will enhance the value of U.S. cottons as we compete in the world marketplace. This study will serve as a stepping-stone to other research efforts concerning drought tolerance, stability, and plant mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there has been growth in the amount of research conducted on female offenders in recent years, less attention has been given to theoretical applications of such research. The current paper will present an overview and findings of a research project examining female criminality and community reentry from a General Strain Theory Perspective. The dataset for the current paper includes official individual level case file data on 360 women released from prison in a Midwestern state between January, 2005 and November, 2006. Variables of interest for the current project include, but are not limited to, demographic information, criminal history, abuse history, substance use and abuse, additional variables associated with strain, and recidivism. Preliminary findings associated with the current paper will be presented. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper will examine the theoretical rationale behind gender differences in college students heightened propensity to participate in risky behavior patterns. Existing research recognizes that male counterparts are more likely than females to partake in risky behaviors, such as consuming greater amounts of alcohol and drugs, and driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of these substances. To examine these correlations, data from the waves of 2001, 2003, and 2005 Core Drug and Alcohol Survey will be utilized to examine gendered differences in risky behaviors of college students, including binge drinking, drunk driving, and drug use patterns. Results of the multivariate analyses and suggestions for future research and policy implications will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescent drug and alcohol use has been linked in previous research to parental substance abuse. Parental drinking has repeatedly been found to be positively related to their adolescent childrens levels of alcohol consumption and drinking-related problems. Research has also pointed to a strong positive relationship between the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumed and negative consequences experienced. Further, the age at which a person first uses substances has been linked to increased quantity and frequency of use and negative consequences experienced. Building on this information, the current study attempts to fill a gap in the literature by examining the connections between the adolescents age of first use and parental history of substance use while subsequently examining quantity and frequency of use and negative consequences experienced. To investigate this relationship, data collected from Core Alcohol and Drug Surveys completed by over 1,000 college students at three different points in time, 2001, 2003, and 2005, will be analyzed and presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]