This article shows how even preschool children with significant physical disabilities can use the computer independently to learn social skills if given the correct positioning, appropriate computer peripherals and software, grouping, and instructional strategies. A continuum of computer peripheral adaptation is provided, along with a list of…

Describes a framework for integrating reflection and teacher competency development into teacher education programs, introducing a spiral model for reflection, standard reflection questions, and a method of structuring logbooks, all designed to develop a competency for self-directed professional growth in interpersonal classroom behavior. An…

Examines results of a field study investigating the ability of the Texas Special Olympics'"Athletes for Outreach" program to enhance the communication skills and the perceived social competence of participant with mental retardation. Validates the relevancy of the "Athletes for Outreach" program for Special Olympics Texas and…

The residential independence of postsecondary students with disabilities, who had originally participated in the National Longitudinal Transition Study of students leaving high school between 1985 and 1990, was assessed through responses from 5,462 parents or surrogate parents of these students. Among predictors of residential independence were…

Examines racial/ethnic differences in a sample of 436 African-American and 387 Latino elementary school students in the mean levels of children's internal beliefs, fantasies, and attributions about aggressive behavior; interpersonal negotiation strategies; and psychological symptomatology. Looked at relationships among these factors. Differences…

New Haven (Connecticut) Public Schools realized that pushing students academically was useless without creating a positive school climate to address their social and emotional needs. James Comer's School Development Program is the district's guiding principle. Via planning and student-support teams, school community members decide on life-skills…

Two studies tested a model relating social competence to social support and child-parent attachment for Head Start children. Results supported the conjecture that social competence should be viewed as hierarchically organized. A model consistent with causal pathways from attachment security to support networks and social competence, and from…

Previous research showed associations between students' perceptions of teacher interpersonal style and several variables. This study examined associations between the students' perceptions and judges' ratings of interpersonal aspects of videotaped teacher behavior. Survey data indicated that there were strong correlations between students'…

European American and second-generation Chinese American 1st and 2nd graders, their parents, and teachers participated in Time 2 data collection of this longitudinal study to assess whether the formal academic environment provided by Chinese American parents is linked to poorer social adjustment in their children. Regressions showed that parents'…

Faced with an applicant pool deficient in credentials and classroom skills, savvy administrators can spot applicants' potential, discerning those individuals likely to blossom into effective teachers. Important qualities include a strong work ethic, people and communication skills, and enthusiasm for teaching. Deciphering hidden meanings behind…

Utility of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Expanded Form to discriminate among areas of adaptive behavior was substantiated by comparing profiles of scores obtained by 113 individuals with mental retardation and either a communication, social behavior, or motor disorder. Results support the use of the Vineland Scales in ecological evaluation…

This article describes the phenomenon of loneliness and its incidence in children with disabilities, and suggests techniques for detecting and dealing with loneliness at school. Interventions include social skills training, creating opportunities for social interaction, creating an accepting classroom climate, teaching adequate coping strategies,…

A study involving three boys (ages 8-10) with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) and giftedness and six comparison boys with only 1 of the 2 exceptionalities, found that participants with co-occurring giftedness and AD/HD had difficulties regulating their emotions, problems with peer relationships, and stressed families. (Contains…

Examined whether emotion regulation and emotion understanding made unique contributions toward at-risk preschoolers' classroom adaptation. Found that emotion regulation and understanding did make unique contributions toward adjustment, even when potential confounds--including behavior problems and verbal abilities--were controlled. Teachers…

Examined social reticence and its association with the quality of parenting behaviors. Found that children's shy, socially reticent behavior was predicted by the extent to which mothers were over-solicitous during free-play. Suggested that early childhood educators offer reticent-shy children opportunities to explore their personal and social…