Explored relationship between family resources and social competence of 300 adolescents. Found that parental education, occupation, and family income were related to positive peer and teacher-related social competence among advantaged adolescents. Negative responses and outside family support were positively related to disadvantaged adolescents'…

Examined effects of early supportive parenting on children's school adjustment. Found that supportive parenting (maternal warmth, proactive teaching, inductive discipline, and positive involvement) predicted adjustment (behavior problems, social skills, and academic performance) in grade 6, even after controlling for kindergarten adjustment and…

Examined early childhood teachers' behaviors when they became involved in children's naturally occurring peer interactions in the context of free choice activities. Results suggest the importance of maintaining overall program quality, including appropriate ratios, as a means of supporting early childhood teachers' ability and availability to…

Suggests that parents who are aware of the differences between home play and school play more fully understand and value the role of play in the early childhood curriculum. Discusses benefits of school play along several dimensions, including interaction with peers and adults, group size, materials, planning, and guidance. Suggests ways for…

This article reviews transition planning requirements specified in the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs in Great Britain and the effectiveness of the requirements. The Code's emphasis on social and independent living skills is discussed, as is the need for schools to balance process and procedure.…

A patient instructor (PI) program to improve dental students' data-gathering and interpersonal skills had each third-year student in 2 consecutive classes (n=60, n=72) interview 4 patient instructors during a rotation. Each PI portrayed one of six scenarios, assessed students on content knowledge and clinical and interview skills, and provided…

Reviews an action research project undertaken by an EFL teacher with her Japanese students in a residential course in England. The study consisted of teacher-student interviews on differences between the British and Japanese ways of life. The article discusses the Japanese notion of "amae" and presents pedagogical implications for…

This article identifies the components of school programs necessary for preventing physical or emotional "bullying." The need for a systems approach that places power with the "caring majority" and encourages the assertive use of prosocial interventions is stressed, along with the importance of training all school staff and non-bullying students.…

This study, involving 1544 Navy recruit trainees, analyzed the relationships between conflict resolution tactics experienced during childhood, intimate partner conflict resolution tactics, alcohol problems, and adult child physical abuse risk. Findings provide partial support for the social learning perspective that the childhood experience of…

One-hundred-nineteen educators and school administrators responded to a social suitability scale used with preservice special education teachers. Preliminary validity analysis supported the use of the scale. Factors such as showing enthusiasm for the field, respecting others, interpersonal responsiveness, and communication skills were rated the…

A 20-year follow-up study of 41 individuals with learning disabilities revealed attributes that differentiated the successful from the unsuccessful group. Some themes discussed include the critical influence of the learning disability across the entire lifespan, differences in participants' family functioning, and differences in participants'…

In a Canadian program, adult volunteer mentors meet with elementary student mentees for an hour each week during school. An evaluation of five such school-based mentoring programs found that mentored students developed a more positive attitude towards school, achieved higher grades, and improved relationships with adults and peers. Mentors report…

This study used data from the Australian Temperament Project to examine how child temperament characteristics and the "fit" between parent and child from early in life might influence social competence when children were 11 and 12 years old. Findings indicated that problematic child functioning, poor fit, or both, had negative…

Provides a case study in support of inclusion of autistic children in regular school classrooms. Argues that special needs children must experience an environment that resembles the typical outside world. Examines the role of special education, experience in the classroom, and preparation for life. Reiterates that skills acquired to manage life…

This study evaluated the use of information technology (IT) communication tools with five British students (ages 3.5 to 17) having severe physical and learning disabilities. Four of the five students made progress in IT and social interaction skills. Discussion raises issues of strategies for effective use of IT by this population, teacher…