The revised curriculum addresses systematic social skills instruction of mentally retarded students, particularly those with behavioral difficulties. An introductory chapter presents a broad perspective on social competence and the rationale, methods, and content for teaching social skills. Procedures for direct instruction of social skills are…

The issue of physical punishment is a particularly controversial one at the moment as child advocates are engaged in a struggle to persuade the New Zealand government to repeal a defence in law (section 59 of the 1961 "Crimes Act") which justifies parents hitting their children provided the force used is "reasonable in the…

This study explored the effects of a full-day preschool program on 4-year-old children. The study compared the development of a group of children (N = 403) who attended the preschool program on a half-day basis during the 1999-2000 school year (the last year the half-day program was in place) with the development of a group of children (N = 418)…

In early childhood settings, an emphasis on preventing discipline problems rather than only dealing with crises as they occur will result in a calmer classroom atmosphere and more teachable time. As Part 1 of a 3-part video series designed to help adults working with 3- to 8-year-olds use a proactive approach to prevent discipline problems, this…

Discusses chronic behavior problems that occur in early childhood classrooms and the need to intervene at an early age to prevent continued conduct problems. Examines different kinds of challenging behaviors and motivations for them. Suggests intervention methods to prevent antisocial behavior and strategies for teaching children alternative…

Studies the effects of social skills training on four behaviorally disordered male elementary school students. Finds that training effects decreased following training, and that there was no increase in positive responses from peers. Discusses the problems of social skills training in special education classes. (FMW)

Educators, particularly those in special education, are recognizing the importance of providing students with instruction in problem-reducing and problem-avoiding prosocial and affective skills. This book presents a prosocial skills approach designed for use with handicapped and non-handicapped elementary school students. The teaching of positive…

This book explores factors that contribute to antisocial behavior among students and reviews the literature on preventing and responding to antisocial behavior. Chapter 1, "A Culture of Violence," links the widespread perception that school violence is increasing to a broader culture of violence. Schools are increasingly turning to…

This action research project implemented and evaluated a program to enhance students' prosocial behaviors. The targeted population consisted of students in two second and one third-grade classrooms in a declining urban area of a large midwestern city. The problem of inappropriate behaviors was documented through discipline reports, anecdotal…

Research has demonstrated that well-integrated computer-assisted instruction can have positive effects on student achievement, attitudes, and self-esteem. In this article, the authors summarize a project that focused on increasing students' positive social behavior by providing better context to the instruction and using technology as the teaching…

Teaching prosocial behavioral alternatives at an early age may enhance a child's personal development and help prevent more serious difficulties in later childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. This book provides classroom teachers and others working with young children with a guiding strategy and concrete techniques for instruction in…

A professional development program which trained whole school staffs in the use of positive behavioral interventions for the purpose of reducing referral rates of students for misbehavior and special education evaluation. The program focused on training teachers and paraprofessionals in behavior management strategies to increase "high approval…

This White Paper summarizes findings from an extensive literature review that was conducted to identify the most promising models and approaches for meeting the needs of low-income children, youth, and families during the summer months. Special attention is paid to summer learning programs that serve diverse, urban low-income children and youth.…