"Making Assessment Work: Ten Practitioner Beliefs" was developed by the National Practitioner Advisory Group on Using Data to Inspire SEL Practice (NPAG), a group of social and emotional learning (SEL) practice leaders convened to provide insights on SEL. Educators, program leaders, and policymakers recognize the value of holistically…

Drawing on comparative research with children's participation practitioners in Nicaragua and the United Kingdom, this study explores the thinking that guides their practice. Earlier models are considered inadequate to describe complex, multidimensional participation processes. Whilst several differences are observed, the key issues or tensions are…

Several recent articles have explored the effects of military deployment on U.S. service members' mental health outcomes. Although increased attention has also begun to focus on the effects of deployment on military families, providing a conceptualization for the mechanisms of this process can help organize existing information and inform future…

Children classified as emotionally disturbed constitute a most challenging and expensive population in the public schools. This article presents a tri-part model of barriers to program design, implementation, and evaluation for children classified as emotionally disturbed in public school settings. An examination of the available school-based…

Therapy is usually described as an indoor activity, centering on verbal dialogue between therapist and client(s). Based on a qualitative study conducted with a group of children with learning difficulties, this article presents a way in which therapy can take place creatively in nature, which serves not only as a therapeutic setting but also as a…

Presents an overview of research on factors that influence the latchkey experience, and a survey that can be used in assessing conditions that exist with latchkey children on the local level. Practical suggestions for the counselor's role are given. (BL)

Discusses developmental aspects of children's fears, strategies that help children learn effective ways of coping with normal developmental fears, and strategies to assist those children who experience some difficulties related to fear. Suggests a model for school counselors that may help them to conceptualize their work with a child and his or…

This response to Fey (EC 604 058) argues against the application of simplistic phonological definitions and models to the assessment and treatment of children with speech delays. Clinicians are encouraged to embrace broad-based models that have explanatory value and are consistent with comprehensive assessment procedures and treatment, focusing on…

This document presents a comprehensive review of the literature on the psychological effects of divorce from the preschool years through adulthood. Topics discussed include the developmental perspective on divorce through various age groups; divorce as an event or process; and the role of the mental health professional. This review provides an…

Provides profiles of contemporary figures who can serve as appropriate role models (heroes and heroines) for today's young people. Profiled are Desmond Tutu, Neil Armstrong, Mother Teresa, Lech Walesa, Jesse Jackson, Jacques Cousteau, Sharon Christa McAuliffe, and Anatoly Shcharansky. (SKC)

Terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, DC, and the continued threats of terrorism have the potential to engender negative psychological effects upon school age children and their families. School counselors and mental health professionals working with children need to be knowledgeable regarding interventions which allow students to…

A study of 62 children's readers in use in three Texas cities demonstrated that such books are less male-focused than they appeared to be in a similar 1972 survey. Contends that both boys and girls would benefit from a still more equitable representation. (DM)

Discusses the importance of parent-support groups for parents with handicapped children. Uses the case of the Mile High Down's Syndrome Association in Colorado to examine issues related to establishing and maintaining a parent-support group. (RJC)

A model of the grief cycle was developed based on data from studies of the grief process and observations of 130 parents of children with disabilities. The model involves three phases: confronting (including shock, denial, blame/guilt); adjusting (depression, anger, bargaining); and adapting (lifestyle changes, realistic planning, adjusted…

A pair of 9-year-old boys with socioemotional and interpersonal difficulties was observed unobtrusively in 35 weekly hour-long therapy sessions over the course of 2 school years. A transcript/narrative analysis technique was used to identify all interpersonal negotiation strategies each child used within each session. Strategies were classified…