This monograph describes the unique features of secondary schools and the application of a systems approach to school discipline at the secondary level. The use of effective behavior support (EBS) designed to increase the capacity of schools to educate all students, especially students with behavioral challenges, is highlighted. Critical features…

This KIDS COUNT report examines trends in the well-being of Vermont's youth. The report balances at-risk youth data with survey results related to "positive youth development," an approach that promotes beneficial attributes of youth and their communities. Following an introduction and discussion of positive youth development and youth…

Although there is considerable evidence that kindergartners in child-centered programs have more opportunities to increase prosocial behavior and are more internally motivated than children in basic skills programs, the efficacy of child-centered versus basic skills programs with regard to prosocial behavior has not been examined among preschool…

Compared Chinese and Canadian 7-, 9-, and 11-year-olds' moral evaluations of lie- and truth-telling in stories involving pro- and antisocial behavior. Found that Chinese children rated truth-telling less positively and lie-telling more positively in prosocial settings than Canadians. Both rated truth-telling positively and lie-telling negatively…

Compares and contrasts overt and subtle forms of prejudice in the classroom. Maintains that subtle prejudice is still pervasive and discusses this phenomenon in terms of aversive racism theory, attributional ambiguity, and stereotype threat. Describes the intervention programs, jigsaw classroom and wise schooling. (MJP)

Twelve practical strategies that can be used by classroom teachers to prevent behavioral escalation are discussed, including reinforce calm, know the triggers, pay attention to anything unusual, do not escalate, intervene early, know the function of problem behavior, use extinction wisely, teach prosocial behavior, and teach academic survival…

Investigates perceived gender differences in subjective experience and its outward display. Finds that males and females are viewed as more alike in their internal feelings than in their overt display of feelings, and that the gender viewed as having more hidden feelings varies with the situation. (FMW)

Examined whether adolescent adoptees differ from adolescent nonadoptees on indicators of emotional and behavioral adjustment and perceptions of family functioning. Identified areas in which adoptees are at potentially higher risk or have higher levels of functioning than nonadoptees. Investigated the relationship of adoption status to gender,…

A sociometric rating scale and a measure of social problem-solving skills were administered to 61 Chinese kindergartners. In comparison to Canadian children examined in an earlier study, Chinese children were less accepting of each other, less prosocial, and more authority oriented in social problem solving. (BC)

Examines how the principles and virtues of Confucianism holistically meet moral education's requirements. Discusses justice, equality, and truthfulness as Confucian principles and the character virtues (wisdom, courage, compassion, and love) necessary for living the moral life. Stresses understanding motive, arguing that the moral person desires…

Discusses the dynamics and development of prosocial play activities for children with a variety of handicapping conditions. Suggests ways for teachers to facilitate the participation of children with special needs. Contains 14 references. (Author/LB)

Studied the relationship between academic performance and socially responsible behavior, sociometric status, goal setting, interpersonal trust, and problem solving in a sample of 423 sixth and seventh graders. Found that each aspect of social competence was related to students' grades. (BC)

Studied whether co-parenting and family-group process influence early social competence. Found indirect pathways linking low levels of support and mutuality in the co-parenting relationship to problematic peer relationships, and direct pathways linking the family's affective climate to positive peer behavior. Discovered that effects were strongest…

Notes the prevalence of violence in schools and discusses approaches to reducing violent behavior. Presents the strategy of using children's literature as part of a comprehensive program planned and implemented by the school in collaboration with the local community to create caring and peaceful early childhood classrooms. Includes an annotated…

Examines why children who experience high levels of peer acceptance in preschool and who have friends entering kindergarten with them make a better adjustment to school. Reviews research on the relation between social behavior and peer acceptance in preschool children and discusses recommendations for fostering social development in preschoolers.…