Based on literature and research on discussion and on educational techniques to improve discussion moderators behaviors, a training program was developed for pre- and in-service teacher educators, business and industry executives and university professors (23 to 28 hours, three and a half days). This program was tested for its effectiveness with…

This paper presents a data-based, conceptual framework to assist researchers and practitioners in choosing programs that promote social and emotional competence in elementary school children. The following topics are addressed: (1) how the conceptual frameworks researched were chosen; (2) the utility of each framework; (3) description of the…

In 1995, Alabama joined many other states in passing mandatory character education as a response to violence in schools. Although the "Virtue of the Week" program had been implemented in Alabama schools for several years, little evaluation has been done to measure its effectiveness. In spring 2001, a study was carried out to analyze the…

Describes some of the salient issues and how they were dealt with during the development and delivery of a multilevel evaluation of a large human relations training program in a federal agency. Nine references are listed. (Author/LLS)

This paper describes the implementation and evaluation of a social competence promotion program conducted in the sixth grade of a middle school. The need to increase social competence within the school arose from the results of enumerative and stakeholder data collected at the school. This paper outlines the steps of the needs assessment, program…

The staff of the Early Childhood Curriculum and Evaluation Project of the Mississippi State Department of Education developed the Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Social Competency (KIDSC) in 1986 as a means of evaluating the state's program goals in the area of self-concept. Positive results from field testing indicated the usefulness of the…

This paper describes a 1998 evaluation conducted by one Texas school district of its K-5 physical education (PE) program. The director of PE developed a plan for gathering information on scheduling; student performance (motor skills, fitness, and social skills); and teachers' use of best instructional practices. Teachers assessed student…

Interviews with six managers trained to teach the Interpersonal Managing Skills (IMS) program at the Lockheed Missiles and Space Company provided insights into three aspects of communication training programs: training skills, the trainer role, and methods of training the trainer. A highly structured, packaged program, IMS teaches five…

Three action research projects were conducted with the intention of creating peaceful learning environments in Canadian schools from kindergarten to twelfth grade. The first project focused on social skills development, especially conflict management, for elementary school students in a rural New Brunswick school. Staff used Washington state's…

When researchers evaluate social skills programs, they essentially are measuring progress towards a goal. How they measure this progress hinges on the precision of the goal statements, the identification of valid and realistic process and outcome indicators, and the selection of appropriate data and methods for collection. This paper outlines the…

Summaries of five research reports investigating Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) student teachers, their perceptions of program effectiveness, internship situations, and future professional plans are presented. The studies (undertaken in response to a National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education standard…

The effects of a program designed to generate self-maintenance of resident living areas and increase self-initiated activities among older adults were investigated. Subjects (N=22) were rewarded with paper tokens which could be exchanged for personal items upon completion of cleaning and maintenance. They were observed as to the quantity and type…

Morry's Camp specifically serves low-income and at-risk New York City youth by providing a maintenance and prevention program focused on the camp community, youth development, and education. Campers attend for 4 years, and there is a "post-grad" program for those who have completed the 4 years. The camp has a year-round component in which staff…

The Windana Society is a drug and alcohol agency in Victoria (Australia) that operates, among other things, a residential drug rehabilitation program in a rural setting. The program utilizes a holistic approach that addresses health and physical fitness; education; vocational and re-integration support; and psychological, emotional, spiritual, and…

Designed to facilitate increased communication competencies of partners in two-person, relatively long-term relationships, the Communicating as a Couple workshop was developed and tested to provide knowledge of specific and useful competencies, along with a rationale, a supportive environment, feedback, and motivation. The four 90-minute exercise…