Middle school boys at risk for behavior problems participated in an initiative (administered via an intramural basketball program) that taught positive skills and provided incentives for achieving academically and following rules. Participation depended on appropriate academic achievement and adherence to school rules. Participants displayed large…

Used a three-group design to determine the effects on child development of the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), a state welfare reform program. Findings showed that MFIP increased employment rates and decreased poverty. According to mother-reports, children were less likely to exhibit problem behaviors and more likely to perform better…

This article describes the PAR (Preventing, Acting upon, and Resolving) Comprehensive Behavior Management System, a process-based model in which collaborative teams work together to form consensus on a positive and supportive school-wide approach to behavior management. It highlights the content and processes used to introduce and sustain the…

Examines an intensive mentoring program that focuses on youth deemed at-risk for juvenile delinquency or mental illness. Results indicate significant improvement in problematic behaviors for the intervention group. Mentoring appeared to affect African American youth differently than Caucasian and Latino youth. Findings support the positive…

Investigates a randomized trial of a self-help smoking cessation program for pregnant smokers at the Kent County Health Department in Grand Rapids, (Michigan). Results indicate larger quit rates amongst program participants than those in the usual care group. Suggests that smoking cessation programs for low-income pregnant WIC clients are…

Parent training programs have been effective interventions for middle-income families with children who have developmental, learning, and behavioral problems. Results have been mixed with low-income families, however. Tested practical parenting program with both middle- and low-income parents (n=34). Results indicated significant improvements for…

After attending 12 classes, 210 grandparents with 1 son/daughter and 1 grandchild evaluated changes in grandparent behavior and attitudes. Compared to a control group of 185, the participants showed significant improvement. Classes covered feelings and ideas, listening to younger people, lifespan development, family communications, and…

A behavior management approach, designed to enhance the active involvement of children (ages 6-11) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, has parents present behavior management situations requiring the child's choice between compliance and noncompliance and involving linkage to a consequence. Having parents (n=75) meet with therapists in…

The Fostering Individualized Assistance Program (FIAP) was driven by permanency and family-focused values and involved intense case management to ensure that services could be adjusted as children's situations and needs changed. Compared to children in standard foster care, FIAP children with, or at risk for, emotional/behavioral disorders showed…

Investigated effectiveness of behavioral consultation in changing children's (n=20) and teachers' (n=20) behaviors in consultation cases that involved children identified by teachers as manifesting symptoms characteristic of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Children who received consultation improved significantly more than students in…

The progress of 55 clients (ages 18-71) during their first year in a program for persons who are both mentally retarded and psychiatrically impaired was described. The clients increased their level of independence and decreased their frequency of problem behaviors. Unmet needs of this population for residential alternatives and community supports…

Presents survey results of 183 teachers in 13 elementary schools regarding read-aloud practices, stated benefits of reading aloud, favorite titles selected for reading aloud (grades k-6), and recommendations for planning read-aloud sessions. (NH)

Effects of the "Choices" program for reduction of unhealthy behaviors among student athletes (N=190) were evaluated. Program components are described. Pretest and posttest assessment was conducted. Results are compared to national norms and discussed. Unexpected results may be due to the program or response rate on posttest. (EMK)

This article discusses the need to concentrate more educational research into efficacy studies on the effectiveness of specific preventive and treatment interventions targeted at disruptive behavior disorders. Other research needs are highlighted such as underlying mechanisms by which aggressive behavior develops, involvement in gangs, positive…

A review of 10 studies that utilize the behavior chain interruption strategy (BCIS) to teach communication skills to individuals with severe disabilities found that BCIS has been successfully applied to individuals across a wide range of ages and levels of disability, including learners with multiple disabilities. Generalization concerns are…