This digest identifies seven essential elements of effective programs for students in alternative programs because they have dropped out, are at risk for dropping out, or have behavior disorders that require special education outside the general education setting. Such alternative programs offer flexible curricula that can address the unique…

A study of 64 gang-involved youth found that they represent all ethnic and gender groups; experience multiple child and family risk factors; present mental health, substance abuse, and academic problems; and often score within clinical ranges on behavioral and emotional indices. Non-Latina females present more internalizing and externalizing…

Two studies examined issues related to school discipline in 19 middle schools. Results found there was little evidence of a consistent relationship between the offense and consequence. A disproportionate pattern in the administration of school discipline based on race, socioeconomic status, gender, and disability was also found. (Author/CR)

Two measures of community-based social behavior for adolescents and young adults with emotional and behavioral disorders, the male and female forms of the Test of Community-Based Social Skill Knowledge and the Scale of Community-Based Social Skill Performance, were examined. Results found the measures yielded acceptable reliabilities and exhibited…

Reviews three studies exploring the effectiveness of computers and parent volunteers for remedial language skills training in young children with Down's syndrome and severe language, learning, and behavioral disabilities. The results suggest that computer-based intervention is useful. Discusses educational considerations for planning and includes…

This paper identifies recurrent themes in prevention of behavioral and conduct disorders, including early intervention and family-focused prevention services; school-based prevention programs (such as peer mediation, social skills training, and self-management training); and within- and across-setting collaboration. Key areas for prevention…

Summarizes the results of a needs assessment survey of 186 disability service coordinators of Head Start programs in one region. Three important challenges were identified: serving young children with emotional-behavior issues, working with families, and working with community institutions. Implications for staff training are discussed. (Author/CR)

This article proposes that schools take on the role of coordinating intervention efforts with school-age children who exhibit antisocial behavior patterns. Collaboration with families and social service agencies is urged. A generic prevention/intervention approach for reducing antisocial behavior risk factors is suggested, with recommendations for…

This article discusses the need to incorporate research findings in developmental psychopathology, psychiatric comorbidity, and psychopharmacology in school mental health programs to enable early detection and primary prevention of emotional and behavioral disorders in students. A response stresses the need for a multidisciplinary approach.…

Describes the underlying philosophy, content and evaluation issues, and selection and training of facilitators for a model acquaintance rape prevention program for male students conducted at Hobart College. Provides guidelines to help other colleges and universities implement a model rape prevention program for men that uses small-group discussion…

Analyzes effectiveness of using the self-concept series and the weave process with students with behavioral disorders. Discusses the program and offers practical examples for initiating the three steps of the series. Results demonstrate that the programs produce an increase of self-concept and an improvement of behavior. (RJM)

Analyzes a broad range of data examining the relationship among basic skill development, behavior problems, and later negative social development. Results strongly corroborate assumptions that low levels of basic skills at an early age are not per se a precursor of later maladjustment. Includes statistical data and tables. (MJP)

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is recognized as the most common neurobehavioral disorder in American children. The paper examines how to obtain a proper diagnosis for children with ADD, how medication for ADD affects children, how children with ADD can be properly served in public schools, and where to go for help. (SM)

Exit plans of 1,632 students attending 92 private out-of-district special education programs were studied. Students from programs for medical and pervasive developmental/communication disorders were likely to plan transfers to self-contained programs within their districts, whereas students from emotional/behavioral programs tended to plan…

This article discusses how transference shapes relationships between teachers and students. It centers on transference as it affects teachers and teaching, as it emerges through teachers' behavior and their dreams. It also discusses and how consultation and emotional education can become vehicles for professional education and personal change.…