In this systematic review, we evaluated the quality and rigor of the current evidence base for the Second Step social-emotional learning program in middle schools. Eleven studies were coded using the "Council for Exceptional Children Standards for Evidence-Based Practices in Special Education" with an 80% weighted criterion. We…

This is the first systematic review of the school outcome literature for behavior interventions used with middle school students exhibiting disruptive behaviors. A total of 51 investigations (published between 2000 and 2020) including 6,498 students and 264 implementers were coded on four dimensions (i.e., sample, interventions, methodology, and…

This is the first systematic review of the school outcome literature for behavior interventions used with middle school students exhibiting disruptive behaviors. A total of 51 investigations (published between 2000 and 2020) including 6,498 students and 264 implementers were coded on four dimensions (i.e., sample, interventions, methodology, and…

Children with ADHD comprise one of the most common groups requiring supports from school mental health providers, yet current school structures and special education policies are not optimally situated to support and adapt to the inconsistent behaviors that are the hallmark of children with ADHD. The present paper reviews and synthesizes…

Prior concerns have been raised about the ability of schools to access evidence-based practices, however, these practices are instrumental for addressing behavior concerns. This is particularly true at the secondary level, where students are more likely to be disproportionately identified for school removal. This review investigates studies of…

Office discipline referral (ODR) data provide useful information about problem behavior and consequence patterns, social-behavioral climates, and effects of social-behavioral interventions in schools. The authors report patterns of ODRs and subsequent administrative decisions from 1,510 schools nationwide that used the School-Wide Information…

In this review of literature, the author analyzed published research to determine the effectiveness of response card strategies on students with disabilities. The author determined that response cards are effective in increasing the number of opportunities that students respond, increasing the number of correct responses, increasing on-task…

Understanding factors associated with children's early behavioral difficulties is of vital importance to children's school success, and to the prevention of future behavior problems. Although biological factors can influence the expression of certain behaviors, the probability of children exhibiting classroom behavior problems is intensified when…

Study compared the effects of two interventions for middle school students with homework problems: parental monitoring and structuring of homework, and adolescent self-monitoring and structuring of homework. Results indicate that Homework Problem Checklist scores significantly improved for both interventions compared to the control sample, but…

Investigates the effects of a support group for middle school parentally bereaved children on self-esteem, depression, and problem behavior as well as self-beliefs about abilities to cope with loss. Solomon four group design was used with data analysis by using two way analysis of variance to determine the effect of intervention. No statistically…

Presents an analysis of discipline referral data collected in an urban middle school and discusses the impact in terms of time and resources devoted to discipline at the expense of learning. The article describes a strategic plan formulated by middle school faculty and administration, as well as other student-centered techniques, in creating more…

Investigates the effectiveness of peer facilitator interventions with disruptive middle school students. Provides evidence that eighth-grade peer facilitators can be effective with sixth-grade problem behavior students. Facilitators demonstrated that they could help students who are having problems adjusting to school, especially in terms of their…

Study assesses the recent rate of cigarette smoking and examines the association of cigarette smoking with individual factors and problem behaviors among middle school students (N=323) in Beijing, China. Results confirm that the prevalence of cigarette smoking among Chinese adolescents is higher among males, increases with advancing age, and is…

Examines some obstacles to full implementation of provisions of the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Explores ways middle schools might overcome these obstacles, primarily by viewing behavior problems as errors in learning that can be ameliorated through quality instruction. Discusses ways in which schools must…

Recent research on questions relating to discipline and students at the middle-grade level offers new ideas on student needs, school environments, and disciplining techniques. A review of the literature yields the following related points: (1) while the early adolescent years are particularly vulnerable to disruption, schools can create…