A study investigated whether an academic or a social skills intervention would be more effective in increasing academic performance and social competence and in decreasing problem behavior of 53 first-graders. Academic, social, and behavioral outcomes measures were examined. None of the interaction terms was significant for any dependent variables…

A study examined the effectiveness of social story interventions for three young children (ages 3-6) with autism spectrum disorders. Results confirmed the effectiveness of this intervention for reducing the frequency of target behaviors. Target behaviors remained at a low level even after the social story interventions were discontinued. (Contains…

Chapin Hall has been conducting an implementation and evaluability study of the ECCI (Early Childhood Cluster Initiative) project since the midway point of its first year. As described in the authors' first report (Spielberger & Goyette, 2006), the initiative made considerable progress in its initial year, particularly in implementing the…

This article focuses on interpersonal problem solving as a way of enhancing the social competence of young children. While many children acquire strategies for interacting positively with others and need no specific intervention, some children have difficulty in acquiring or displaying successful interpersonal problem solving skills. When children…

The study was designed to determine whether use of an immediate photographic feedback technique by teachers can enhance self concept development and extend appropriate social activity in 46 handicapped children (aged 2-6 years) from four classrooms in two schools. During the first week all teachers completed the Social Competence Rating Scale and…

Suggests use of questions as instructional tools. Provides guidelines for devising effective questions and handling responses to questions. To evaluate the program, the author advises the trainer to consider content, methods, presentation, time, and atmosphere. Also reviews self-evaluation techniques and forms. (CSS)

The authors look at the advantages of skill-based pay, the situations in which it seems to be particularly effective, and how such a pay plan works in actual practice. (Author)

Examined the rating behavior of Black and White judges within the context of a social skills training program for patients (N=12) diagnosed as schizophrenic. Results indicated that Black and White judges may rate various social behaviors differently. (LLL)

This study explored the effects of a model of social skills training on 4- to 5-year-old children with low peer acceptance. The cognitive-social learning model aims to improve children's social behaviors through teaching effective cognitive social strategies and providing opportunities for children to practice social behaviors and monitor them…

A study investigated effects of two intervention strategies (contextual and coworker) on the social interactions and integration with peers of five workers with mental retardation. Neither intervention had a significant impact on the frequency of interactions; however, it appeared that the presence of a job coach suppressed interaction rates.…

Social skills training was given to 15 children aged 9-11 who were victims of bullying. Measures of psychosocial adjustment at three points during the year were compared with those of 13 waiting-list controls. The treatment group increased global self-worth, but there were no significant improvements in social skills problems or victim status.…

This article describes a comprehensive cognitive-linguistic intervention program for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients that provided communication skills practice in the context of health-enhancing and esteem-building community-based activities, physical fitness training and supervised volunteer work. Effects for four participants…

Describes an investigation of the effects of a 15-week implementation of the Language for Learning program on the language and social interaction skills of preschoolers. Shows that children with developmental delays instructed with Language for Learning exhibited greater improvement in receptive and expressive language skills, and social…

Explores the effects of previous exposure to the Reach Out to Schools: Social Competency Program (SCP) on the middle school adjustment of sixth grade students. SCP is designed to teach children social skills to help them to communicate better, solve problems and build stronger relationships. Results show associations between program exposure and…

An intensive weekend workshop for teachers focusing on foundations of health education, drug education, emotional health, and human sexuality demonstrated that a well-planned and implemented in-service training program can effectively improve teachers' competency in health education. (JD)