The Hand Test was administered to 30 male and 10 female eighth- to tenth-grade students transferred to an alternative school for acting-out behavior. When retested 21 days later, responses were significantly consistent supporting the reliability of the Hand Test variables related to acting-out behavioral tendencies. (Author/CM)

This article reports on issues concerning the popularity of video games and the effects the games may have on youngsters. Parents' concerns about lack of supervison at video arcades and school absenteeism are voiced, and communities' efforts to restrict the arcades are related. The position of the national Parent Teacher Association is stated. (PP)

A survey of secondary school practitioners and policy makers reveals that (1) teachers had no authority to exclude students from class for lack of ability, (2) teachers have little authority to exclude students for misconduct, and (3) general agreement exists between the two groups concerning students' exclusion from extracurricular activities.…

Reports on a study indicating that many teachers' perceptions of a "responsible" and "persistent" student are based on that student's ability or willingness to behave in ways directed by the teacher. (FL)

Retreating is a behavior which occurs when a teacher issues a directive intended to influence student behavior, and the students ignore the teacher in such a way as to let it be known that she/he has not influenced their behavior. Discusses this behavior and offers six rules useful in avoiding retreating. (Author/JN)

Assessed the cross-sex similarity of behavioral disturbance dimensions as measured by the Bristol Social Adjustment Guides (BSAG) using a sample of 2,527 Ontario schoolchildren. Results confirmed the cross-sex equivalence in the factor structure and support the use of the BSAG's under- and overreaction scales as indicators of maladjustment. (JAC)

Two studies (1) examined the comprehension skills of good and poor readers with several different measures of comprehension monitoring; (2) provided measures of perceived strategy utility; and (3) provided comparisons between good and poor readers on traditional comprehension and memory tests. (HOD)

Observations of operationally defined nontask oriented classroom behaviors of educable mentally retarded (EMR), educationally handicapped (EH), learning disabled (LD), and nonhandicapped students were compared. Significant differences in behavioral characteristics among the groups were indicated. (Author/GK)

Two groups of junior high teachers were identified as being more or less effective in their classroom management practices. Observational data collected from these teachers in the first three weeks of the year indicate that the beginning of the year is a crucial time for establishing effective classroom management. (Author/BW)

Provides a basis for colleges and universities to develop regulations sanctioning hazing. Describes the types of activities that have caused death. Presents state laws and discusses the legal context leading to civil or criminal liability. (RC)

Comments on Etzioni's claim that student self-discipline is crucial to learning. Agrees that discipline policies and motivation are related but contends Etzioni fails to consider effects of cultural and class differences and ignores the fundamental issue of balancing rewards for individual effort and rewards for excellence among peers. (PGD)

The development of a 34-item self-report measure of behavioral adjustment to school is described in detail. Analysis identified three distinct scales--studiousness, compliance, and teacher contact. Various applications of the instrument, including the use of a teacher form, are also discussed. (Author/KC)

The high incidence of abortion and pregnancy among college students is indicative of their increasing rate of sexual activity. College students refute the use of contraceptives for reasons which include: (1) difficulty in acknowledging oneself and others as sexual beings; and (2) shame and guilt over sexual activities. (JN)

Two studies examined an observation instrument designed to obtain frequency counts on the behaviors of learning disabled children during small group instruction. Findings indicate that intervention strategies designed to modify behaviors in disabled children may have positive effects on their academic progress and that observation of their…

Differences in approach to three hypothetical dental moral dilemmas were found among dental students, but the differences were strongest in the early years of dental education, before significant patient contact. Freshmen rated principled reasons higher than older students. Further research into causes and actual behavior is recommended. (MSE)