After teachers examined ninth-grade potential dropouts' perceptions of school success, an interdisciplinary team involved the students in mediation, identified their needs, helped develop goals, and worked to enhance achievement. Students' perceptions and attitudes significantly affected their success. Within months, students had academically and…

Reports on a study comparing social characteristics of 13 British male secondary-school students with high levels of interest in and use of computers with those of 14 students who lacked interest in computers. Finds that computer-using students were not less sociable than their peers. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the social construction of gender differences in classroom interactions during the first five years of a former women's college's transition to coeducation. Finds that the classroom interaction patterns of male and female professors and students were altered considerably by the transition. (CFR)

The principal of one urban New Jersey middle school chose to deal with a long history of student behavior and discipline problems by making every class single sex. The change helped curb classroom distractions, reduced discipline problems, and restored a sense of order. (SM)

Maintains that corporal punishment should be banned from every school as a means of classroom discipline, and presents teachers and administrators with workable alternatives to disciplining children. (BB)

Twenty students (ages 11-15) with disabilities used a consensus-based group evaluation system to evaluate their group's behavior during a specified time period. Comparing team ratings to teacher ratings and delivering reinforcement (based on group behavior and team accuracy in rating behavior) was found to be an effective strategy for modifying…

Forty-eight general education and 48 special education students (grades 3-6) were rated by general education teachers, and 75 students were rated again 1 year later. Significant differences between students successful and unsuccessful in mainstream environments were found on socioeconomic status and social/behavioral variables (peer relationships,…

Studied whether school culture is represented in common aspects within schools in different countries for one deaf child in Barcelona (Spain), one refugee child in Paris (France), and some of their classmates. Identical characteristics of student interactions found in both schools, and the importance of these interactions are discussed. (SLD)

Presents study results examining the effectiveness of teacher praise on children's on-task behavior. Describes Canter's Assertive Discipline, its use in Australia, and the basics of a study of the technique. Reports that all teacher subjects increased rates of praising following training, and all but one student improved levels of behavior.…

The impact of retention in kindergarten on academic achievement and behavior was studied for 53 retained children and 53 matched promoted peers. The academic advantages indicated in the second year of kindergarten were not maintained past kindergarten. Results do not support retention as an effective policy for young children. (SLD)

Discusses the impact of culture and sociocultural characteristics on student behavior and attitudes, focusing on Filipino students in Hawaiian public schools. The article makes recommendations for teachers who work in multicultural classrooms, explaining the teacher's role and discussing how teachers and students can be partners in learning. (SM)

Reports on a study of 71 British secondary teachers about bullying in their schools. Finds that, in schools where students report high rates of bullying, teachers were more likely to perceive behavior as bullying and observe bullying. Also finds that most believe that there were typical victim personalities. (CFR)

Data from 10,957 students in the High School and Beyond survey were used to explore relationships between stable and changing family configurations and student achievement, attitudes, and behaviors in the last two years of high school. Differences in family configuration have little effect on these outcomes. (SLD)

Studies examining the social skills deficits of children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are reviewed, and possible mediating activities are explored. Efficacy studies involving medication, behavioral interventions, and cognitive-behavioral interventions are discussed. The need for adjunctive nonpharmacological interventions…

Case studies of elementary school and college students are used to examine the different styles of approach taken to computer programing. Introduces the term "bricoleur" to describe programers who do not take a structured approach to programing. Discusses gender differences among programers. (MDH)