This study examined the effects of three reinforcement histories on the persistence of task engagement by two students (ages 9-10) who were off task during independent seat work. Results found the reinforcement history that contained an instructional control component produced the greatest persistence in student engagement. (Author/CR)

Describes a series of experiments designed to identify why the classroom use of timeouts sometimes failed. Results indicate that both treatment integrity and the function of student behavior problems were related to treatment success and failure. Discusses implications for the function of student behavior problems, treatment selection, and other…

Reviews research on biting among children in child care settings. Reports a study examining procedures established to handle biting by child care facilities in a southeastern state, which found that 60% of respondents (n=326) handled biting incidents, but only one third reported a policy on biting. Fewer than 3% understood the developmental nature…

Examined variables influencing teacher referrals regarding children suspected of having developmental or behavioral problems. Results indicate that younger children were not referred at a disproportionate rate, as compared to their older classmates. African American children were referred at a disproportionate rate for developmental handicap…

"Countering society's negative messages requires a planned, comprehensive approach that involves students, support staff" and the community, says Linda McKay, director of the Personal Responsibility Education Process (PREP) for St. Louis, Missouri, schools. Area schools have selected 49 different values as a focus for character…

The Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behavior was factor analyzed in 2 institutional samples and 1 community sample of persons with mental retardation (total n=353). Factor analysis revealed no strong justification for the instrument's seven scales. An alternative three-factor solution, comprising intrapersonal maladaptive behavior, psychotic…

Assessed conceptions of teachers' authority as it pertains to misconduct. Subjects were 10- through 17-year olds. Found that adolescents viewed moral, conventional, and prudential issues as legitimately subject to teachers' authority, and personal issues as under personal jurisdiction; they were equivocal about contextually conventional issues.…

Differences between girls who left home early and at a normative age were examined across several domains of behavior and family relationship constructs. Found that those who leave home early, compared to those leaving later, were more likely to have evidenced childhood problem behaviors and discordant family relations in childhood and adjustment…

Young children with hyperactive and disruptive behavior problems have a variety of risk factors, including environmental, constitutional/maturational, and interactional concerns. Following a description of general principles of intervention, three case studies illustrate use of the "Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental…

Evaluates the effectiveness of a parenting intervention, namely The Positive Parenting Program, in reducing child behavior problems in the classroom. The levels of teacher reported conduct problems were significantly lower in the intervention schools. The results provide evidence that a parent training program can be effective in reducing the…

Tests the Primary Socialization Hypothesis of deviant behavior in examining drug use in a sample of adolescents participating in a federally sponsored program for disadvantaged youth. The theory holds that peer, family, and schools are the principal agents in instilling pro-social norms in adolescents. As predicted by the theory, family and school…

A study investigated the effectiveness of an augmentative and alternative communication intervention as part of a school-wide positive behavioral support plan for enhancing the communication behaviors and reducing behavioral problems of 67 students (ages 6-21) with intellectual disabilities. After intervention, communication behaviors increased…

Examined relative influence of parenting behaviors (support, behavioral control, and psychological control) and deviant peers on trajectories of externalizing and internalizing problems in early adolescence. Found that parents' firm behavioral control seemed to halt the upward trajectory in externalizing problems among adolescents with deviant…

Reports a cross-sectional investigation of the link between community violence exposure and academic difficulties for 237 urban elementary school children. Analyses indicated that community violence exposure was associated with poor academic performance. These relations appear to be mediated by symptoms of depression and disruptive behavior.…

Considers problem library patrons in a virtual environment based on experiences at California Institute of Technology's Web site and its use for virtual reference. Discusses the virtual reference desk concept; global visibility and access to the World Wide Web; problematic email; and advantages in the electronic environment. (LRW)