Explores issues that negatively affect the academic success of African American gifted students. Includes recommendations for school counselors. (CH)

Counseling is effective with low-achieving secondary school students. The literature suggests that when counselors are selected, when small numbers are treated, when objectives are clear, and when methodology is carefully developed, individual or group counseling can be effective in modifying student behavior and improving academic performance.…

This article discusses the distinguishing traits of an underachiever, the conditions which foster underachievement, and the resources available in assisting this type of student. (HMV)

Underachieving isolated students can be found in all schools, and can provide a good opportunity for counselors to demonstrate the value of teacher consultation. (Author)

Data indicate that students who participated in group counseling evaluated the experience positively. Teacher evaluations of students in group counseling more often than not indicated improved work habits, greater self confidence, reduced tension, and more positive attitudes toward school. (Author)

Presents a descriptive model of an alternative secondary education program with program evaluation procedures, which provide a nontraditional school atmosphere for secondary students who are unable to function productively in their home school. (Author)

Explores school counselor's role in helping gifted students develop effective strategies to reduce desire to underachieve or overextend. Examines how self-inflicted stress can lead gifted students to invoke either copout behavior (overt reduction in achievement) or burnout behavior (maintaining facade of high achieving while succumbing to physical…

While not a panacea, group counseling does appear to be an effective tool for increasing the motivation of underachievers. However, it is possible that the attention offered the students, rather than the counseling accounted for their improved behaviors. (CJ)

This model, designed for counselors to assist underachieving adolescents, uses interaction between family memory and school personnel for academic skill development, tutoring, and vocational preparation. Instructional interventions are linked to client learning objectives and students needs are fully assessed. (JAC)

Examined the effect of training teachers (N=30) and underachieving students (N=60) to mutually improve their interpersonal communications. Results showed relationship enhancement training was more effective than brief lecture/discussion in improving classroom behavior. No differences were found in student achievement, attendance or attitude. (JAC)

Boys (N=12), identified as constituting behavior problems in a class of underachievers, were given group human-relations training. Self-esteem was improved by training procedures including videotape as well as facilitative communication. Group experiences seemed to affect classroom behavior positively, as evidenced by a decrease in behavior…

Compared the effects of an examination preparation unit offered in small group counseling or classroom guidance formats on the performance of low-achieving and underachieving middle school students (n=77). Results indicated the intervention was generally ineffective. (ABL)

Participation in supplemental tutoring led to a significant improvement in classroom behavior although significant changes in achievement and self-concept were not found. Volunteers acted as role models and helped children with personal and social guidance for coping with the educational system. (JAC)

Flexibility and creativity are essential skills for aiding learning-disabled students. In addition, specialized knowledge of specific learning disabilities is essential and will enhance the overall skills of the counselor. The counselor's personal warmth, empathy, and understanding will enhance relationships with the students as well as their…

Identified entering secondary students' perceptions of their school-related problems and attitudes. Examined intervention strategies from a diagnostic prescriptive child-study team approach. Developed a comprehensive plan of action and intervention to change the outcome of students' self-defeating behaviors and to enhance the achievement and…