Reviews a research project that investigated the roles reading and writing play in children's growing knowledge of social interactions. (FL)

Presents a review of research findings which empirically document counseling effectiveness in improving school climate, humanizing education, and establishing directions for implementing research. Contends that for education to be humanized through counseling, prerequisite counseling skills must be taught and research findings adapted in a variety…

Formulates a model for viewing the transitions and losses of the aging process as opportunities for growth and self-enhancement. Reviews major categories of social-psychological transition events. Summarizes social-psychological resources that aging individuals bring to these events and discusses three processes of adaptation to transition…

The article describes the experiences and personal growth of Gregory Witcher, a Black high school student from Washington, D.C., as he confronted the largely White world at Phillip Exeter Academy and later at Williams College. (SB)

A mother describes the achievement and successes of her 11-year-old deaf daughter. Included in the discussion are her growth of language, social and psychological growth, math and science interests, and reading ability. (SA)

The social-educative and cultural districts established in the areas of Charleroi, Belgium are presented as an approach to solving educational disparities within a region between different social groups. (JMF)

The article discusses the impact of cultural pluralism (the degree of cultural differences which are fostered and encouraged by society) on teacher training and advocates a broader, empirically based approach to teacher training in the area of multicultural special education. (DLS)

To increase the social responsiveness of two severely retarded and withdrawn children (six and ten years old), a five-year-old mildly retarded peer was trained to emit social approach behaviors using a procedure in which edible reinforcement was delivered by the trained peer contingent upon positive social response by the target subjects.…

Because gifted children are different in level of emotional development, interactions with peers, and learning characteristics, they require special support. Drawing on experience with enrichment programs for young gifted children, this article explores ways of establishing nurturing learning environments that develop self-esteem, engage long-term…

Community service learning has evolved as a vehicle to strengthen students' learning, reconnect them with their communities, and counter the learning/living imbalance in our society. Teachers use service learning to challenge and motivate students, gain insight into youngsters' learning processes, and improve their own relationships with students.…

This article identifies typical problems that gifted students face in social and emotional adjustment, including anxiety caused by advanced knowledge or understanding; heightened sensitivity to feelings of others; perfectionist tendencies; and feelings of being alone, isolated, and different. Resources to help students, parents, and teachers are…

This study evaluated the social goals and objectives in 163 Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) of preschool children in early childhood special education settings, using 3 federal criteria for evaluating quality of objectives: specification of setting, measurability, and criterion for success. Results indicated IEPs were lacking both in the…

This commentary on the quantity and quality of Individualized Education Program (IEP) objectives dealing with social competence in preschoolers with disabilities focuses on whether IEP goals and objectives are meaningful for achieving a functional effect, influencing social competence beyond the specific skill, and influencing the child's…

Describes features of social pretend play and identifies characteristics of young children's cognitive and social play that may inhibit their participation. Describes approaches for supporting the social pretend play of children with mild to moderate developmental delays and disabilities, including assessment of play skills, use of structured play…

Introduces the "Pet and Me" project, a thematic unit that explores the relationships among humans, other animals, and nature. Provides the definition of thematic units by focusing on three levels of thinking: facts and information, topics, and themes. Concludes that the thematic unit is applicable to other areas of curriculum. (MOK)