Evaluated a life skills management program for rural youth delivered via collaboration between education and noneducation agencies. The program was replicated with 10 groups of Tennessee and Missouri youth. Pre- and post-testing of knowledge of life skills management concepts, self-esteem, and social skills indicated the program changed…

A review of 13 studies on social skills training (SST) and learning disabilities found none of the studies included ethnic minority participants exclusively, there were no significant differences in types of SST programs used in studies with and without ethnic minorities, and findings were not reported by ethnicity. (Contains references.) (CR)

The behavior chain interruption strategy was used to teach four students with mental retardation and severe communication disorders the skill of requesting. All students learned requesting with a routine using graphic symbols and generalized these skills to two untaught routines. All also generalized requesting to out-of-routine contexts involving…

This British study evaluated benefits of providing adolescents with Asperger syndrome with social skills training within a youth group setting. Participants maintained excellent attendance at both social skill and youth groups and increased both their social skills and self-confidence. Adult "helpers" reported that youths' support needs…

A two-year postsecondary program in New York City prepares low functioning young adults with learning disabilities for careers in human services such as day care programs and geriatric centers. Students take courses in social skills as well as academic course work and on-the-job training in child care or geriatrics. (DB)

This study of 10 aggressive and 9 nonaggressive preschool boys found that both groups attempted the same repertoire of social goals and used the same social strategies, but with varying relative frequencies. Aggressive children sought to stop or prevent action more often and used intrusive strategies more often than nonaggressive children.…

Discusses a managerial training course which uses concepts from literature to illustrate interpersonal attributes. Describes four activities to aid course participants in developing and applying managerial skills. (RS)

Few administrators fail to become leaders because they lack technical skills. The problem is lack of people skills and inability to exercise good judgment. Administrators can minimize failure by valuing honesty, objectivity, delegation, and feedback and by respecting chain of command and the limitations of power. Other potential pitfalls are…

Two approaches to teaching work-site social behaviors to three youths with mental retardation were examined. Problem-solving training, which involved developing skills in decoding, decision, performance, and evaluation, led to substantial generalization and maintenance of social behaviors in natural work settings. Training based upon role-playing…

Describes a systematic cooperative-based curriculum which enables students to comprehend, utilize, and internalize cooperative behaviors. Students practice specific behavioral strategies and social skills necessary for successful cooperation with others. Sample activities and lessons plans are included. (JD)

Compared cognitive style and pleasant activities of 77 suicide-attempting female minority adolescents with those of 39 psychiatrically disturbed and 23 nondisturbed female adolescents. Suicide attempters reported significantly fewer alternatives for solving interpersonal problems, were significantly more focused on problems, and were more likely…

Youths (N=54) with mental retardation who had remained employed for at least six months were matched with youths who had not. Among the most important elements contributing to employment success were placement agency follow-up support; home support; and the individual's job skills, social ability, and match to job demands. (Author/JDD)

This article describes an innovative program aimed at reducing the risk of pregnancy, explains the theoretical rationale that guides the content and instructional approach of the program, and offers evidence that the program can be implemented. The program is a pregnancy prevention skills approach, piloted in California. (IAH)

Investigates the relationship between social-behavioral competence and behavior disorders among preschoolers in a Head Start program. Results indicate that children identified as externalizers and internalizers are clearly different from those in the control group on a range of adjustment measures. (Author/BB)

An observational checklist of age appropriate social behaviors was developed and applied to three functionally blind kindergartners in a mainstream kindergarten. The checklist pinpointed areas of deficiency for remediation. (Author/DB)