This study employed psychotherapy to influence attitudes of families with a child in a school for the emotionally disturbed. The results indicated that family therapy improved the classroom behavior of the children as well as behavior observed by their parents at home. (Author)

Study indicates that clique membership is related to academic performance but not attitude toward school. In the case studied, attitude of clique members was more highly related to achievement and attitude for male students. The need for teachers to promote social integration of socially isolated students is also discussed. (RW)

Study shows that faster ILP students tended to dominate in dyadic interactions with slower learners during structured play situations, while equal dyads were composed of students with similar achievement rates. Study suggests that ILP might increase rather than reduce negative school attitudes, and that further research regarding this possibility…

The European Commission on Human Rights is now investigating the case of a seven-year-old boy in Lanarkshire, whose parents have failed to obtain a guarantee that he will not receive corporal punishment at school. Author finds that, contrary to the teachers' agreed code of practice, the "tawse" (leather belt) is still widely used in…

Approaches children's learning in learning science based on skilled observation by professional teachers, rather than on tests devised by outside agencies. (Editor/RK)

Children (N=45) identified as learning disabled were rated by teachers on academic progress and personal-social adjustment using the Myklebust Pupil Rating Scale. Student attitude toward school was assessed using the Describe Your School inventory. Learning disabled students receiving special programming were rated significantly better than…

Students in an experimental and a control high school were compared in the fall and spring on their locus of control scores. An Open Campus policy was instituted in the experimental school. The experimentals increased significantly more than controls in internal control. (Author)

Suggests how school administrators can deal with irreverent, arrogant students, as well as with their parents and supportive faculty members. (JG)

The University of Pittsburgh responded to concerns about academic integrity by establishing a code of rights and responsibilities for students and faculty. The university's guidelines are detailed and their workability is illustrated by seven case studies. (Editor/LBH)

Student satisfaction with academic advisement was measured at eight community colleges employing four different advisement models. Comparison of satisfaction scores revealed significant differences among models and between full- and part-time students. No significant difference was found between two institutions using the same model or between…

Uses case vignettes to highlight the idiosyncratic dynamics and special cultural influences that describe adolescent suicides. Extrapolates from these cases a series of aphorisms about the study of adolescent suicide and about adolescence, so as to help clinicians and researchers appreciate individuals in their cultural context. (RJM)

Explores the results of a national survey on college students' alcohol consumption. Features an interview with the author of the study and excerpts taken from online interviews of students and staff at various college campuses. Also outlines a 12-step program for addressing the drinking problem on campuses. (RJM)

After-school settings and activities for 206 urban children, grades one through four were examined, and associations with behavioral adjustment noted. Found that effects of activities on externalizing and internalizing behaviors were more pronounced in lower income children than in those from middle and upper income backgrounds. Peer interaction…

Examines whether the criterion-related validity of the Devereux Behavior Rating Scales--School Form (DSF) can be generalized to racial/ethnic subpopulations. Results based on 267 children support the DSF's utility in screening for serious emotional disturbance. Findings suggest its criterion related validity are generalizable to Caucasian, African…

Using a classroom survey of 3061 secondary school students, analyzed the relationship among a set of predictors including personality trait, social and cultural variables, and drug use. Findings reveal problems in applying the personality trait theory in a rural subgroup. Measures of global and local cultural orientation predicted drug use. (RJM)