Factors associated with antisocial and aggressive behaviors in the schools are considered. Past practices are contrasted with emerging approaches to opposing aggression, including primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. The need for comprehensive intervention, the current policy of inclusion, and changing school personnel preparation…

Nonverbal and verbal techniques that teachers can use to manage surface behaviors are suggested, including planned ignoring, eye contact, facial expression, body posture, close proximity, touch control, limitation of space, redirection to another activity, ventilation, distraction, understanding and reassurance, modeling, humor, one-to-one…

Functional analyses of classroom disruption were conducted during contingent teacher and peer attention conditions for three children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Attention provided by peer confederates appeared to function as a distinct form of positive reinforcement for all three children (ages seven and nine). (Author/SW)

Characteristics of Asperger syndrome are described, and behavioral and academic strategies are offered for addressing these symptoms in the classroom. Suggestions pertain to: insistence on sameness, impairments in social interactions, restricted range of interests, poor concentration, poor motor coordination, academic difficulties, and emotional…

Techniques for developing self-management skills in students with learning and/or behavioral difficulties are explained, including self-monitoring and self-instruction. Development of self-management skills is seen to facilitate mainstreaming and provide prereferral intervention assistance. (DB)

Toddlers may bite as a reaction to being forced to be part of a group. Toddlers communicate in a physical manner but do not always connect the social consequences with their actions. By analyzing the circumstances surrounding a biting incident, teachers can redirect the child's energy and avoid a situation where biting might occur. (PAM)

Discusses a longitudinal study of changes in student misconduct cases and institutional response over 10 years, comparing the results of 2 identical national surveys. Concludes far more alcohol-related cases are reported today than previously. (Author/ABL)

Describes creative ways for teachers to handle difficult classroom discipline situations, focusing on how to deal with defiant disruptives, noncombatant noncompliers, and incessant interrupters. The article discusses potentially difficult situations and explains how best to handle them in a positive manner. (SM)

Focuses on school-based triggers for disruptive and hurtful bullying behavior. Reviews playground design, patterns of children's access to and use of playgrounds, mode of teacher supervision, and the role of the school in early intervention as these factors relate to the dynamics of playground behavior. (DLH)

Examines school performance and behavior of children with low birthweights (less than 2500 grams), compared with a group of normal-birthweight children, using 1988 Health Interview Survey data and controlling for family socioeconomic characteristics. Low-birthweight children are more likely to repeat a grade and attend special-education classes,…

Presents preliminary results of portfolio use as the focal point of strengths-based interventions designed to increase students' chances of re-entry into mainstream education. Describes use of the portfolio to support a multisystemic intervention program for chronically disruptive students, to foster recognition of student strengths, and to…

Reviews types of reported problems among African American youth exposed to violence and victimization. A substantial number of African American youth reported being exposed to direct victimization while in transit to and from school. Discusses the impact of violence on mental health status, in that subjects exposed to violence exhibited…

Discusses how a "disruptive" kindergarten student in a summer school program blossomed in a different classroom environment where there was an atmosphere of love and trust. Notes that the student was an active learner, and his new classroom environment encouraged that type of learning. (RS)

Describes a study assessing factors for developing a safer environment in an urban elementary school. Found that teachers wanted more student support, more resources, and less work pressure; that work conservation strategies to decrease work pressure led to student aggression; that teacher reluctance to share resources created more behavior…

This study examined whether child, parental, and socioenvironmental factors predict disruptive school behavior two years later. Data from a sample of 10-to 12-year-old youths, including 289 African American, 183 Hispanic/Latino, and 335 non-Hispanic white youths from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth were analyzed. Findings indicate that…