Discusses various paradigms and treatment strategies in working with troubled youth. Proposes a shift from traditional approaches that stress deficits and pathology toward strength-based interventions that focus on positive development. Describes a range of specific innovations in program development that result when research on resilience becomes…

The multiplicity of approaches in the field of counseling, together with a growing interest in eclecticism and integration amongst practitioners, present a challenge for counselor trainers. This challenge is being met by the development of training programs that purport to be integrative. Since sophisticated integration is rare, article explores…

Since the mid-1980's, many school districts have developed character education programs in response to a need expressed in the general public. This article outlines elements of character education program development and implementation by providing strategies, activities, and interventions for administrators, teachers, and counselors. (Author/MKA)

Article examines selected school-based prevention programs that represent a dual focus of risk attenuation and competency promotion, and exemplify a shift from risk to resilience in the prevention of antisocial behavior. Identifies characteristics of improved outcomes and draws conclusions for enhancing future efforts. Stresses the urgent need for…

In spite of the most adverse circumstances, some children manage to survive and even thrive, academically and socially, into adulthood. A complex array of individual, family, and community factors has been identified that best explains resilience and lays the foundation for programs and interventions targeted at fostering the development and…

This paper examines cognitive capacities and dispositional characteristics that contribute to creative problem solving, including relationship generation skills, expertise, adaptability, and wisdom. The paper argues that programs for gifted and talented students should develop the beliefs, values, and motives that will encourage students to apply…

Many schools and districts are effectively using a three-tiered approach to identify and eliminate risk factors and increase protective factors in students. Schools that use this approach believe that students must be taught not only appropriate behaviors but how to use these skills effectively in multiple environments. Article identifies programs…

Intended for use on national, state, and local levels, the ideas and data in this reference are organized by means of the Prevention Enhancement Protocols System (PEPS). This is a systematic process for evaluating evidence from prevention research and practice, which can then be developed into recommendations for practice. Chapter topics are: (1)…

The purpose of this research brief is to summarize the literature on research conducted with at-risk students. Emerging from the research are three central groups of factors that are characteristic of at-risk students: (1) social and family background; (2) personal problems; and (3) school factors. In spite of the presence of several risk factors,…

This chapter moves toward defining high-risk youth as young persons with low probabilities of gaining an education, getting a job, parenting effectively, or being able to participate in the political process. Five snapshots are presented of the latest information on the prevalence of the five categorical behaviors of interest: (1) substance abuse,…