Argues that sociopathy is the result of broad cultural failure and that social science has not demonstrated either the causes or the cures for sociopathy. Demonstrating social cause is beyond both the financial capacity and the ethical boundaries of society. Cultural and economic equality are potential solutions but society rejects these notions…

Reflects on the century's preeminent benchmarks, including the evolution in the lives of people with disabilities and the prevention of many causes of mental retardation. The ethical challenges of genetic engineering and diagnostic technology and the need for new benchmarks in policy, practice, and research are discussed. (CR)

Reports on the effectiveness of a drug abuse prevention intervention with a predominantly minority sample of seventh-grade students (N=721). Results indicate that this approach was effective on several behavioral measures of current drug use, including measures of polydrug use and on intention measures relevant to future drug use. (RJM)

The federal government's war on fraud, waste, and abuse in expenditure of federal funds has reached college campuses. Institutions that fail to heed this development are vulnerable to harsh sanctions. They must tighten accounting practices and recognize their liability for fraudulent practices of faculty and students. Internal investigations and…

This study examined state-by-state variation in high school completion rates and the impact of state-level child disability, demographic, and economic factors upon completion by diploma or certificate for youth with serious emotional disturbances (SED). Variables examined included ethnicity, geographic region, per capita personal income, per pupil…

Reports on a study to identify excellent campus-based initiatives to prevent alcohol abuse by college students. Offers recommendations to colleges which stress that alcohol-abuse prevention programs be long-term, broad-based, and integrated into the institution and community. Offers recommendations to trustees which stress their role in…

Summarizes the findings of the Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development's concluding report, including its recommendations for a generic approach to preventive interventions for adolescents. Proposes research opportunities suggested by the report, including biological aspects of adolescence, economic factors in adolescent development, time use…

The study of four community-based organizations (CBOs) participating in the Attendance Improvement Dropout Prevention program in New York City illustrates that it is important to distinguish among the characteristics of CBOs when schools think about forming collaboratives with them. CBOs may serve very different purposes for school needs. (SLD)

Fighting violence requires a networking approach among schools, community, and parents. This article advises elementary school counselors: (a) focus on the causes of aggression; (b) identify children with the propensity for behaving aggressively; and (c) prevent aggressive responses in children and adolescents by introducing techniques and…

This article describes a nonviolence model program used in 26 schools. The program identifies positive and negative student leaders who then spend an entire day together working on developing relationships, responsibility, respect, and conflict resolution skills. Specific activities of the "lock-in" day and ongoing activities such as development…

Identifies specific needs of girls in the justice system. Through understanding the characteristics of young female offenders, it is possible to tailor programming to meet the needs of this at-risk population. The role of relationships and mentoring of young girls is emphasized. Identifies national model programs. (LSR)

A study evaluated the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) to provide training in phonological sensitivity skills to 45 preschool children at-risk for reading problems. Children exposed to CAI made significantly greater gains on rhyming and elision skills compared to controls. Expressive vocabulary scores were predictive of pre- to posttest…

A study examining substance use problems in the Asian American community surveyed 87 Indian, Vietnamese, and Chinese American youths and young adults. Findings indicated more awareness of drinking problems than drug use problems. Although respondents showed positive attitudes toward treatment, behaviors suggested a tendency to utilize personal…

Examined teacher risk taking during the development of a school-within-a-school program in a Professional Development School, targeting sophomores at high risk for dropping out. Findings indicated that a psychology of risk-taking behavior provided a useful lens for understanding teacher risk-taking in this context and that the three essential…

This article describes the problem-solving model (PSM) used in the Minneapolis Public Schools to guide decisions regarding intervention in general education, special education referral, and evaluation for special education eligibility for high-incidence disabilities. Program evaluation indicates students received special education services earlier…