Presents two strategies for cultivating social skills and self-esteem in elementary physical education; recommends the gymnasium's informal atmosphere as ideal for addressing social skills. The first strategy involves selecting a most valuable person each day. The second strategy promotes recognition of positive student qualities and parent…

This review analyzes data-based studies dealing with self-management procedures (self-monitoring, self-evaluation, self-reinforcement, and self-instruction) used by individuals with mental retardation in public school settings. Although support is found for the positive effects of self-management, questions regarding efficient implementation of…

A third grade teacher explains how he utilized cooperative learning and a reward system to encourage a disruptive student to change his behavior. The teacher scored each team on group accomplishments. As the child learned to work with others, his attitude changed and his academic ability benefited the team. (SM)

This study compared differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) and noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) in the reduction of self-injurious behavior in three adult females with severe or profound mental retardation. Both procedures were highly effective in reducing self-injury, with NCR less limited than DRO. (Author/DB)

A self-management approach (utilizing self-counting of behaviors, corrective verbal feedback, and contingent verbal praise) was effectively used to reduce stereotypical body rocking in a congenitally blind young adult. Positive results were maintained, with replacement of overt counting with covert counting and immediate with delayed feedback as…

The use of computer software to teach grammatical constructions faster by developing good linguistic "reflexes" is described. The program has three levels: choice of gender determiner; impact of the initial letter of the word on the determiner's form; and placement of adjectives. The program also provides reinforcement for speed of…

Assessed teachers' (n=89) acceptance of Good Behavior Game (GBG), interdependent group contingency. Found GBG as acceptable as positive reinforcement and response cost. Neither target children's ages, behavior problem severity, nor stated procedure rationale affected ratings. Found positive relationship between acceptability and use of positive…

Describes assessment and successful treatment of a preadolescent with erratic toileting behavior and related social skills difficulties. Treatment included monitoring of bowel movements, using a star chart, and applying rewards as positive reinforcement of acceptable behavior. (HTH)

This article examines and evaluates the various ways school personnel can assist and work effectively with children with attention deficit disorders. Classroom management procedures and behavioral interventions are outlined, such as setting clear rules, using a token economy, contingency contracting, applying consequences, teaching self-management…

Examines challenges in implementing the disciplinary provisions of the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act amendments, obstacles to implementing the law's functional-assessment provision, and ways that schools might overcome these obstacles. Encourages schools to include disciplinary practices in a larger program of positive academic…

This article describes how a self-management strategy, self-recording with points, teacher praise, and encouragement, was used to increase the on-task and nondisruptive behaviors of a 6-year old African American boy with hyperactivity. The use of drug therapy to control hyperactivity is discussed and a self-recording form is provided. (Contains…

This article reviews the functional assessment paradigm in relation to students with serious emotional and behavioral disorders who have well developed cognitive abilities and linguistic skills. Based on the needs of these students, the Assessment Intervention Process, a system for facilitating the development of effective positive behavior plans…

A study investigated how positive behavior support was experienced and understood by team members (n=19) from four residential, community-based teams who achieved positive outcomes for adults with severe challenging behaviors. Findings from the study depict an overall culture of support consisting of interrelated layers of social context.…

A study examined the effect of an observation-feedback intervention on the rate of a teacher's behavior-specific praise of nine elementary students with emotional and behavioral disorders and the effect of increased rates of behavior-specific praise on students' on-task behavior, which increased when behavior-specific praise increased and…

Researchers have found no stable relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement or other desirable behaviors. In psychological studies, the most self-assured subjects were more likely to want to harm someone. Healthy self-esteem comes from achievement. Schools should support and promote accomplishment over "feel-good"…