This special issue presents seven papers describing programs for children with behavioral disorders. Among topics addressed are use of role playing to foster social skills, truancy intervention, and cooperative efforts by mental health agencies and public schools. (CL)

Findings showed an interaction between mands (instructional directions) and response type. Only when a mand was given during performance of the sorting task did the frequency of SIB increase. The contingent application of verbal praise had a minor, though systematic, effect in reducing the frequency of SIB. (PHR)

The effects of relaxation training and biofeedback on five factors of self-concept among hyperactive male elementary school students are investigated: levels of aspiration; anxiety; academic interest and satisfaction; leadership and initiative; and identification v alienation. Findings suggest that relaxation training/biofeedback warrant inclusion…

The Contingencies for Learning Academic and Social Skills (CLASS) program is described. CLASS is a comprehensive, self-contained behavior management package designed for remediation of the behavior problems of disruptive, acting-out students in Kindergarten through grade 3. (Author/MH)

The behavior of four boys who were referred for oppositional, rule violating, and aggressive behaviors was assessed by direct observation and parent reports. Changing contract behavior to solitary toy play resulted in reduced oppositional behavior during the observation sessions, fewer reports from the parents of low-rate problem behaviors, and…

The authors urge educators to accept that behavior problem youngsters can no longer be barred from the public schools and that effective programs for these children need to be implemented. This paper was presented to the State Department of Education Conference on Emotionally Handicapped Programs, Orlando, Florida, August 9, 1977. (SJL)

This review examines the literature on the social and behavioral characteristics of the educable mentally retarded (EMR), as children and as adults, which might influence their acceptance or rejection by non-EMR peers in a regular classroom. Attempts to modify undesirable behaviors are also reviewed. The conclusions are pessimistic. (SJL)

Responses were obtained from all 50 states and three additional service units on a survey of programs for adolescents with behavioral disorders. (CL)

This paper presents a system consisting of report cards, instructions for students, parents, and teachers, designed to provide effective classroom behavior management techniques. Application of the daily report card in a regular fourth-grade classroom is presented. Results indicate rapid improvement with a minimum of teacher time and effort.…

A multiple-baseline-across-subjects study found that training in self-management reduced the inappropriate verbalizations of two middle school students with learning disabilities in a special class setting. The students also progressed more rapidly through the classroom token-economy levels system, designed to improve academic and social skills…

Traced pathways between perceived coparenting support and child-rearing conflict, family interaction quality, and child self-regulation, academic competence, and behavior problems in families of 9- to 12-year-old African-Americans. Found that husbands' perception of coparental support was linked to family interaction quality; wives' perception of…

Examines the notion that heredity plays a powerful role in criminal behavior, including genetic evidence that can allow for antisocial behavior. Reviews suggestions for reversing rising crime rates in light of the hereditary connection, policy development, family cohesion, and child raising. (GR)

This case study of an underachieving gifted ninth-grade male reports on classroom observations where the student's behavior varied with the teacher and classroom climate. Family difficulties and poor teaching were factors in his high-risk status. Intervention focused on providing individualized help and mentoring support from two older highly…

A study of 370 male and 2,681 female adolescents with a history of sexual abuse found that males were at higher risk than females for poor school performance, delinquent activities, extreme use of alcohol and marijuana, and sexual risk taking. Female victims showed higher risk for suicidal ideation and behavior, frequent use of alcohol, and…