Discusses problem-solving strategies designed to diffuse the power of suburban youth gangs. Argues against using the metaphor of "war" to combat youth violence and outlines the dimensions of a comprehensive policy that emphasizes prevention, prosecution, and placement. Suggests what local governments can do to solve this problem. (RJM)

School personnel often misclassify a conduct-disordered student as severely emotionally disturbed, following a serious offense. Educators must remember, however, that mislabeling a child to obtain services, prevent expulsion, or remove the child to a special classroom is both inappropriate and unethical. Legal language should be clarified, and…

Discusses six proactive strategies to help teachers improve classroom discipline: (1) move around the room; (2) teach social skills; (3) have a sense of humor; (4) don't personalize unruly behavior; (5) look for causes of discipline problems; and (6) promote student responsibility. (SM)

Reports on violence prevention in an inner-city middle school. Interviews of students, deemed by peers and teachers as good at managing conflict, revealed eight themes. For example, student experts inoculated themselves in attitude to avoid violence; de-escalated situations when provoked; and believed the cost of fighting exceeds the reward. (RJM)

Describes an ethnographic study of 126 developmental mathematics students at a 4-year college to determine characteristics related to success in the course and subsequent retention. Reports that student attendance and engagement strongly influenced success. Lists recommendations for improving student engagement. A list of observed student…

Asserts that children vary in the amount of sleep they need but that rest is important. Gives advice in response to caregiver questions concerning child naptime, including determining length of nap, getting children settled, providing a conducive classroom environment, dealing with resistance, and addressing parental concerns. (BGC)

Describes three community health center projects to develop and expand school-based mental health and violence prevention services. Key project features include: customized services; effective referral systems; confidentiality measures; and appropriate space, location, and staffing. Principal issues are integration and coordination, funding, and…

Case study examines effects of time-out ribbon and precision requests on noncompliance of a four-year-old male with Tuberous Sclerosis. Compliance was recorded during circle time. Compliance increased when time-out ribbon was used. Greater increase compliance was found when precision requests were added to time-out ribbon procedure. (FC)

Social development of students with disabilities is examined from a developmental synthesis perspective. Issues in the social skills deficit framework are also discussed, along with formation of classroom social networks and their role in behavior development. Social interventions should focus on both the classroom social network and the…

An intervention using natural reinforcement and peer influence with three three-person groups of preschoolers, each containing one child with a disability, was evaluated. The design of the intervention (multiple probe across subjects) was found to be effective in increasing the subjects' positive social initiations. Some generalization was also…

Administered a two-year prevention program to 121 boys and girls, ages 11-12 years. Results showed partial impact of the program on proximal measures, such as self-esteem, influenceability, and knowledge of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana. Problem children in the prevention program became more assertive. Discusses limits of child-centered…

Many colleges have established substance-free residence halls as one strategy for coping with the problem of binge drinking. The paper presents guidelines for ensuring that the substance-free housing succeeds, including starting small, involving students in design and development, keeping the area separate, considering special programming, and…

First-year college students completed surveys to determine their current tobacco use levels and the advice they had previously received from physicians regarding tobacco products. Results indicated that nearly 20% of the students were currently smoking and that health care providers were not fully using opportunities to educate young adults about…

By teaching students self-control, teachers can powerfully affect student behavior. This involves explaining to students what negative signals are and what choices they have. By creating a classroom where students can meet their basic needs of fun, freedom, belonging, and power, teachers allow students to control their own behavior. (SM)

Discusses what high school students are saying about disruptive students. Students expressed a desire for higher standards, for themselves and their peers, in the areas of both discipline and academics. However, students' standards for and expectations of their school are declining. (GR)