With the introduction of school choice as a viable option of school reform, researchers have begun to look beyond academic achievement to the effects of choice on alternative outcomes. Recently, non-cognitive skills and behavior stand at the front of those alternative outcomes. From the most up to date relevant literature it appears that school…

Describes seven myths regarding the role of genes in determining behavior and the modifiability of behavior that permeate the thinking of many educators and psychologists. Examines each myth, dispels it, and states what are believed to be correct conclusions from different kinds of behavior-genetic and related data, considering the implications…

Describes a schoolwide student management program (SSMP) which uses a team approach that is both preventive and remedial. The SSMP's central goal is to either ward off disruptive behavior or change such behavior. Outlines the program and presents SSMP's proactive component and response component. Discusses remediation and individual plans. (RJM)

Social development of students with disabilities is examined from a developmental synthesis perspective. Issues in the social skills deficit framework are also discussed, along with formation of classroom social networks and their role in behavior development. Social interventions should focus on both the classroom social network and the…

From infancy on the child is surrounded with sex-based role expectations. The school system clarifies and reinforces these images through the male dominated administrative structure, the unbalanced distribution of attention in primary classroom situations, and the mainstreaming of males and females into gender-tagged curriculum programs. Sexism is…

The Iowa Behavioral Initiative is a staff development venture designed to help educators with the increasingly complex student behaviors which seem to defy former standards of intervention. Participation in the Initiative activities provides general and special educators with practical, validated strategies for dealing with student behavior…

This chapter of "Helping Teachers Manage Classrooms" presents strategies and processes that teachers can use to establish well-managed classrooms. These recommendations are based on the results of year-long descriptive studies of the management methods used by third grade teachers and by seventh and eighth grade English and mathematics teachers.…

A thorough and integrated approach to classroom management can enable teachers to prevent most discipline problems and handle those that do occur. Some students, however, may have intensive personal or behavior problems requiring individualized treatment in addition to group management techniques. Many teachers may also want to pursue student…

Designed for use with individuals ages 3 months to 44 years, the Scales of Independent Behavior (SIB) measure adaptive behavior and problem behaviors in such areas as motor skills, social interaction, language, personal self-care, punctuality, destructiveness, and inattention. This paper describes the SIB's administration, scoring,…

The patterns of adaptive behavior in gifted and nongifted children (n=296, ages 2-16) were compared using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale. Results indicated a significant difference between gifted and nongifted groups in communication, social skills, and daily living skills, but not in motor skill development. (Author/JDD)

To understand and deal with student behavior, we must understand that most behavior is caused by objects and events in the world around the student; that students have learned personal ways of relating to those objects and events; and that in a setting like a school it is easier and more productive to alter those objects and events than to change…

This book of eight separately authored chapters is intended to provide teachers and other educators with assistance in finding ways to improve student discipline by establishing and maintaining an effective learning environment. The first three chapters stress the teacher's role. Chapter 1 describes the planning, implementation, and maintenance of…