The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between a student's spirituality and religious beliefs and the impact of those beliefs on the decision to use substances. Results indicate that spirituality may play a significant role in the decision of college students to use substances. (Author)

Describes a pilot project that extended Instructional Consultation (IC) (Rosenfield, 1987) into the middle school setting. The goal of the project was to develop an approach to training middle school teachers so that they could intervene early and effectively to address students' academic and behavioral needs. The training was based upon…

Examined the perceptions of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students in the American University classroom. The purpose of the study was to look for patterns in student responses to a questionnaire about classroom behavior of both teachers and fellow students. Findings draw attention to the need for heightened sensitivity in multicultural…

Studies (n=107) of prevalence and correlates of college student cheating are reviewed. Strongest correlates of cheating included having moderate expectations of success, past cheating, poor study conditions, positive attitudes about cheating, perceiving that social norms support cheating, and anticipating rewards for success. A model of…

In their efforts to reduce school violence and student misbehavior, too often schools and school authorities contribute to the potential for violence by sanctioning or ignoring practices that victimize children. Reviews concerns pertaining to this issue. Argues that school psychologists should become more involved in prevention programs and in the…

Observes that a major challenge for a general music teacher is to make music enjoyable for students and also assist them in learning music concepts. Illustrates that music teachers can accomplish both of these goals when educating students with special needs. Offers three examples where each special-needs student enjoyed and learned about music.…

Three responses to an article on implications for teacher education of school violence examine: (1) teacher educators' roles in preparing teachers to detect problems in students; (2) the need for family involvement (because trying to reach students in school is too late); and (3) reasons for school violence (family influence, parent…

Describes peer leadership components within a community-wide trial to prevent alcohol use and related youth problems. Seventh and eighth graders could be elected or volunteer as peer leaders. Surveys indicated that at baseline, both types of leaders had fewer problem behaviors than non-peer leaders. Following the 7th-grade curriculum, alcohol use…

The Florida School Violence Policies and Programs Study assessed characteristics of violence prevention and control policies and education in Florida's school districts. Most districts report increased student violence. They have responded with policies and programs to a greater extent than have districts nationwide. Most districts offer relevant…

Evaluated two adolescent tobacco-cessation programs based on stages of change: an educational program for adolescents not yet thinking about quitting and a cessation program for adolescents ready to quit. Participant evaluation indicated that both interventions successfully helped reduce adolescent smoking. The educational program was the most…

Tested the construct validity of an effective psychosocial smoking-prevention curriculum on mediating variables considered responsible for decreasing adolescent smoking initiation, examining Social Cognitive Theory constructs hypothesized as essential for program effectiveness. Results of data from 6th graders in treatment and comparison groups…

Investigated ethnic and gender differences in frequency of use and healthfulness of bag lunches at school. Surveys of middle school students and their parents indicated that one-half of students brought bag lunches, with boys doing so more often than girls. There were ethnic differences in the use of seven foods and whether foods were regular or…

Three studies evaluated the impact of the Home Instruction Programme for Preschool and Year One Youngsters (HIPPY) on New Zealand children's reading ability, school readiness, and school behavior. Findings indicated that HIPPY children showed consistently better performance that control group children on all measures used, with differences…

Examines the relationship between students' exposure to violence and symptoms of depression and hostility. Survey revealed that males had greater exposure to violence than females; exposure to violence was predictive of hostility for both genders; and predictive of depression for females. Suggests clinicians help adolescents make sense of events…

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"…