Argues that standardized academic programs are seldom effective with students in detention facilities who have a wide range of academic skills, leaning problems, cultural backgrounds, and languages. Recommends an individualized and self-paced method of instruction that has proven successful in meeting the needs of this diverse group of learners.…

As part of a larger study, researchers collected campus codes prohibiting hate crimes, which were then reviewed to determine whether the codes presented constitutional problems. Based on this review, the authors develop and present a model policy that is content neutral and does not use language that could be viewed as unconstitutionally vague or…

Tests the effectiveness of an intervention designed to reduce aggressive behavior in children and adolescents. Participants were special education students (N=70) with behavioral problems in grades 5-9 living in Israel. A short-term multidimensional program utilizing bibliotherapy and clarifying processes was introduced. The intervention was…

A survey of 46 agencies providing residential support to persons with disabilities examined their capacity to support persons with disabilities who present challenging behaviors. Two independent variables (organizational stability and administrative leadership) and four dependent variables (staff structures, staff training, measurement systems,…

Based on the early work of Albert Ellis, seeks to identify and challenge irrational beliefs that underlie behavior problems. Outlines concepts and methods of Rational Emotive Behavior Theory and describes the application both in counseling and as a mental health curriculum for troubled children and youth. Offers classroom techniques. (RJM)

Reports the results of a consensus meeting convened to provide guidelines for clinicians and make recommendations for researchers regarding disruptive vocalization (DV). Suggests that DV arises largely in persons with cognitive impairment and generally reflects an underlying need or discomfort. Managing DV involves appropriate identification of…

Examines whether substantial increases in the positive interactional ratios of six highly disruptive adolescents would decrease their behavior problems. Results indicate that the intervention significantly decreased behavior problems in the boys as a group. Discusses findings in terms of response-contingent reinforcement and systemic behavior…

The latent structure of a four-item problem-behavior syndrome (from Problem-Behavior Theory) was replicated for 2,250 American Indian adolescents. With inclusion of multiple indicators of problem behaviors, a single factor no longer provided satisfactory fit. With addition of multiple indicators of conventional behavior, a second-order latent…

Nationwide, child-murder arrests are rising while suspects' ages are dropping. Self-centered behavior is rampant. Schools should explain character-education programs to parents, get everyone's commitment, acknowledge virtuous behavior, provide adequate staff development, seek moral lessons in every class, and distinguish moral debates from…

Utilizes the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale to examine 230 high schoolers and juvenile offenders. Youth were categorized as nondelinquent, noninstitutionalized delinquents, and institutionalized delinquents. Results indicate a strong connection between negative self-concept and delinquency, suggesting that these two variables are tightly…

Because student misbehavior on school buses can endanger the driver, other students, motorists, and pedestrians, schools are considering technological solutions, such as mounted video cameras. The cameras deter misbehavior and help administrators detect inappropriate activities and determine appropriate action. Program implementation is…

An evaluation was conducted of British projects designed to reduce exclusion from school (multidisciplinary behavior support teams, offsite pupil referral units, and in-school centers). Successful support teams and in-school centers had common features: school staff, administrator, and parent involvement; student self-monitoring; flexibility; and…

A follow-up study of behavior and emotional problems in 53 young people with Williams syndrome 5 years after first assessment found substantial persistence in the overall level of behavior and emotional problems. Comparison with young people with mental retardation due to other causes found Williams subjects had significantly higher overall…

Three experiments involving four children (ages 3-7) with mental retardation found participants preferred unreliable reinforcements under certain conditions. Findings are discussed regarding the role of specific stimuli as conditioned reinforcers and how they influence preference for a response that produces reinforcement on a leaner schedule than…

Investigates the effect of randomizing both contingencies for reinforcement and reinforcers to decrease classroom disruptive behavior in five adolescent students with serious emotional disorder. Results reveal that the percentage of observed intervals of disruptive behaviors decreased immediately and dramatically in all students. (Contains 24…