Three adolescents with developmental disabilities and severe behavior problems received eye-contact skill training using a contingency management approach in a community-based residential treatment center. The intervention produced significant increases in positive eye contact across two social settings. Staff reports of increased social…

A program to increase staff effectiveness in implementing a group home behavior management program for residents with developmental disabilities was evaluated. The program emphasized systematic self-recording and supervisor feedback, and resulted in increased staff consistency in all four areas evaluated (such as implementing response costs for…

This article provides a legal update on the issue of residential placements for students with disabilities and discusses practice considerations in light of national trends toward greater integration and curbing of rising costs through providing incentives for community-based programs. Practices in Virginia are used as an example. (DB)

Course selection of 795 gifted adolescents in a summer residential program differed along traditional gender lines in mathematics, science, and writing/literature. Girls and boys performed equally well in all types of classes; main effects in achievement and motivation were found only for type of class. The Scholastic Aptitude Test served as a…

Presents a report on a follow-up survey of Ontario boards of education (n=92) on research conducted about the status of outdoor education field center programs in the formal Ontario educational system. Results indicate the use of field centers by both public and private schools has increased over the past 30 years. (11 references) (MCO)

A study examines the influence of a Sunship Earth education program on fifth and sixth grade students (n=578). Results indicate that students who attended the program increased their ecological knowledge significantly. Participation did not result in more positive environmental attitudes. (17 references) (MCO)

Small community homes in England for severely and profoundly mentally retarded adults are described and compared to institutional settings and larger community units. The small homes were found to produce beneficial client functioning and high levels of staff/client interaction. The paper concludes that interaction effects are possibly more…

This article describes the language abilities of 20 boys aged 10 to 13.5 years who were admitted to residential treatment because of their significant and persistent antisocial behavior. Primary diagnoses included oppositional/defiant disorder and conduct disorder. Eighty percent carried the additional diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity…

Phenomenological interviews conducted with 30 attendees and 15 alumni of Wyoming's High School Institute (HSI), a summer residential program for high ability 15-year olds, identified 2 primary themes relating to the social and emotional needs and experiences of the subjects. Themes included social experiences and awareness of others. Subcategories…

La Guardia Community College and Vassar College (New York) developed a successful residential summer learning experience to raise educational aspirations of poor/minority students and attract students to four-year colleges. Students were team-taught by faculty from both institutions, lived in a Vassar dormitory, and received instruction in the use…

This study of 32 adults with mental retardation found substantial differences in the types of environmental support provided in group homes after transfer from large state institutions. Differences in community adjustment occurred for residents placed in group homes with significantly different functional features. Several factors interacted to…

A survey of 518 service providers found high levels of knowledge and adherence to values of inclusion regarding the need to provide opportunities for engaging consumers with disabilities in community daily activities and rights for services. Employees had less knowledge of activities intended to provide opportunities to make choices. (Author/CR)

Describes a private, therapeutic, boarding school in Montana. Clinically trained therapists and educators combine a rigorous academic curriculum, outdoor and adventure education activities, and a five-phase emotional growth curriculum to help emotionally troubled adolescents aged 14-18 deal with their problems and maintain their educational level.…

Postplacement adaptation was studied in 160 families with a member in a residential facility. More than 90% concluded the living arrangement was advantageous for themselves, the child, and other family members. Families with children under 15 visited more often, reported the highest stress, as well as the lowest marital adjustment. (Contains…

A study examining the effect of outdoor adventure experience on student self-concept surveyed 30 British secondary students in a 5-day residential outdoor course and a control group of 30 students. Self-concept scores of the experimental group rose during the course and 3 months later, while the control group showed no significant change. (TD)