Authors present a concept and a method for mental health consultation with teachers. The aim is to describe training to develop alternative approaches to a variety of student responses which indicate potential school failure. (Authors)

Focuses on "goofing off" and the meaning of that activity to students involved. Describes goofing off as an adaptive behavior which occurs within a particular organizational context. Discusses factors that affect the presence of this behavior. Analyzes what goofing off shows about early adolescence in the context of schooling. (RC)