Study investigated the possible factors in promoting racial integration, specifically, the effect of social and tangible reinforcement on the social integration of five black children in a predominantly white classroom. Evidence, it is held, suggests that reinforcement techniques can be used effectively to promote social integration. (Author/RJ)

The author urges wider use of positive reinforcement theories in helping emotionally disturbed and mentally handicapped children. Underlining the influence of environment on behavior, he also notes that behavior modification programs utilize fewer trained personnel more effectively and, like Tennessee's Re-Education Treatment, allow for therapy in…

Describes some clinical observations of procrastinating and procrastinators and addresses how these observations have led to the development of a guaranteed scheduling technique (GST) to treat procrastination. Discusses the elements of GST and its implementation. Initial student reactions to GST have been favorable. (Author/RC)

The author argues that failing grades and grade repetition harm students and should be removed from the middle school. He presents a grading system of A-B-C-Incomplete which would eliminate grade repetition, encourage individualized instruction, and promote student self-esteem. (SJL)

Six fourth graders learned paired associates of their choice under high and low reinforcement conditions. Equivalent lists were also studied as homework on which correct test responses were reinforced equally. The children preferred to study and learned more on the highly reinforced lists during the experimental sessions. (Author/GDC)

Investigators observed time usage and teacher statements in 26 Chicago high schools and found a lower rate of time loss and a higher rate of positive comments by teachers in higher achieving schools. (Editor)

The effect of group counseling techniques in reducing habitual truancy among a group of high school special education students was studied. It was determined that nondirect counseling methods--especially when combined with contingency contracting--were effective in increasing school attendance. (MH)

Effective teaching strategies are outlined for helping the shy and withdrawn child to become an involved participant in the classroom. (JD)

A study of three adults with profound mental retardation investigated the effects of using systematically assessed preferred stimuli versus staff opinion-based preferred stimuli on increasing happiness indices. Preferred stimuli based on preference assessments were more consistently accompanied by increased happiness indices than were preferred…

A rapid generalized motor imitation sequence was presented to five non-vocal children (ages 6-7) with autism before an opportunity to imitate a model's vocalizations. The presentation was faded by presenting an opportunity to vocally imitate without the sequence followed by an opportunity to independently mand. All participants began to vocalize.…

A study evaluated a therapeutic intervention program for young adults with severe autism at the Oasi Institute in Troina, Sicily. The program, which integrates gentle teaching, humanistic applied behavior analysis, and functional communication training, provides opportunities to acquire functional skills through errorless learning activities.…