Describes a California professional development school program, discussing various cross-institutional roles and highlighting two individuals who spanned the boundaries between the participating high school and the university. Their success depended on allegiance to the partnership, flexibility with time, focus on intrinsic rewards, emphasis on…

This article emphasizes the assessment and intervention of the academic side of social skills in elementary and middle schools students. It examines the role that social skills play in facilitating learning and the creation of a positive school environment. An instructional approach called the responsive classroom is highlighted. (Contains…

To assist teachers, descriptions of seven defining characteristics of Asperger Syndrome are provided, including: insistence on sameness, impairment in social interaction, restricted range of interests, poor concentration, poor motor coordination, academic difficulties, and emotional vulnerability. Strategies for addressing each of these symptoms…

This interview with an individual with Asperger Syndrome (AS) discusses the characteristics of autism, how AS differs from autism, and common characteristics of AS. His experiences in school are described and recommendations are made for teachers who work with students with AS and for parents of children with AS. (Contains references.) (CR)

Investigated linkages between aspects of emotional competence and preschoolers' social skills with peers, as well as parental emotion socialization practices as predictors of social skill. Found that emotional competence variables were meaningfully related to the peer variables and that, for non-constructive anger reactions, maternal reports of…

Examines the historical and conceptual foundations of friendship research. Areas addressed include functions of friendship, study of peer relations and peer systems, associated methodological and measurement challenges, and the study of friendship today. The discussion is framed around the "Harry Potter" (by J. K. Rowling) phenomena. (SD)

Multiple measures of social behavior were used to evaluate a systematic replication of a conversational multiple-exemplar, self-instructional training intervention with 4 students (ages 14 to 19) with moderate mental retardation and limited social interaction with peers. The procedure was effective in increasing participants' generalized…

Two studies investigated the relationship between emotion socialization variables, social cognitive knowledge, and children's social competence in preschoolers from low-income families. Found that mothers' self-reported emotion socialization practices were related to children's emotional knowledge and sibling caregiving behavior. (MDM)

A study of 51,624 Michigan students declassified from special education indicated that the students were academically, socially, and behaviorally well adjusted in general education programs. Teachers and counselors felt that 11% continued to need special education. Four percent of declassified students returned to special education within three…

Compares male and female African American public school principals' perceptions of their relationships with Anglo faculty. Questionnaire responses from 44 principals reveal differences between female and male principals regarding existing interracial barriers that they believe have the potential to negatively affect the educational process. (GR)

Investigated whether risk factors identified in international studies differentiate among at-risk Norwegian school children (fourth graders) receiving social services. Found few socio-demographic differences but that social service clients scored higher on risk and lower on competence variables than cohort group. Compared to parent and teacher…

New school board members must learn to acknowledge the job's difficulty, avoid micromanaging the superintendent, carve out personal time, avoid adverse publicity, field parental lawsuit threats, prioritize communication, attend national conventions, avoid seeking special favors, beware one-size reform packages, and realize their expendability.…

A study of 743 disabled and nondisabled youth in inclusionary outdoor programs at 12 resident camps and 2 resident outdoor schools found that disabled youth significantly increased their social interactions with peers and their active participation in the program. Youth without disabilities improved their social interactions and developed greater…

In this comparative study of the boards of three community agencies, the forces that influence the quality of parent-community member relations are examined. Results indicate that an organization's ability to manage intergroup tension is influenced by organizational history of intergroup relations, group identification, and organizational…

An evaluation of a Georgia middle school's multi-age grouping program revealed significant progress regarding student self-esteem, achievement, community building, and teacher collaboration. The Crabapple experience illustrates how one model of student-centered, developmentally appropriate, and integrated learning can benefit middle-level…