Fifty-four adolescents, either with or without a sibling with a disability, completed questionnaires measuring self-efficacy, peer competence, and maternal attitudes toward and modeling of prosocial and empathic behavior. None of the measures differed significantly between those whose siblings did or did not have disabilities. Process-oriented…

The effectiveness of a peer imitation intervention with three preschool children with autism and one with developmental delays was studied. Results indicated participants increased peer imitation behaviors in small group and free play settings. Increases were also seen in social behavior and in levels of nonsocial engagement. (Contains…

This article discusses the difficulty with which children with social disabilities establish and maintain friendships, as well as the significance of this difficulty within the school setting. Practical classroom strategies are illustrated, as well as interventions that target select social-skills deficits frequently encountered by students with…

This article discusses characteristics of students with Asperger syndrome (AS), especially those germane to educators, and methods most appropriate for supporting and enhancing the educational experiences of children and youth with AS. Effective social interventions and supports, behavioral interventions, and academic accommodations are described.…

An alternative model of social skills instruction that does not assume social skill deficits, but rather deficits in self-regulatory behavior, was used with three boys with severe behavior disorders. Self monitoring procedures were used to cue social skills, were effective in altering participant's social behaviors, and created maintained positive…

Recent research has demonstrated that employers can benefit from the participation of their staff in expeditions. The outcomes of expedition experiences are similar to those of outdoor development courses and include the personal development of expedition participants with regard to work performance, interpersonal skills, and learning. (Author/TD)

Judicious Discipline is a comprehensive, democratic classroom-management approach based on constitutional principles that balance personal rights against social needs. After rights and responsibilities are introduced, students learn to govern their own behavior by assessing their actions in terms of time, place, and manner. Class meetings help…

Conversing about board-administrator foibles, a board member and the superintendent of the Portland (Oregon) School District reach agreement concerning essentials for working well together. They acknowledge the need for smaller, informal meetings; absolute and trust and communication; long-term commitment; and ideological understandings. (MLH)

This project was designed to determine whether a training program created specifically for unemployed Native Americans could significantly increase job knowledge levels and improve the graduates' ability to find, get, and maintain a job. The program combined interpersonal and employment-related skills. Findings indicated improvement for pre- to…

Discusses characteristics of the camp leader that can help a camp participate effectively in the issues and challenges of the future: openness to change and continual learning, high level of emotional intelligence, appreciation for diversity, and awareness of the value of wholeness and balance. (SV)

Describes the many and varied emotional needs of teens, and the importance of dealing with adolescents' problems, so that they can learn. Suggests that, for language arts teachers, the way in is through literature. Discusses the role of literature, and offers a description of four themes and young adult novels on those themes. (SR)

A naturalistic behavioral assessment and intervention program over a 3-year period for a New Zealand girl (age 5) with Rett syndrome is described. The most significant reduction in hand mannerisms and other excess behaviors was related to positive social interactions and play that allowed for communication at the affective level. (Author/CR)

A study involving 19 elementary students with behavioral and learning disabilities found that after participating in "Service-Learning Opportunities Prepared for Citizenship," an inclusive after school program, students expressed personal responsibility, responded to ideas of cooperation and teamwork, learned to make new friends, and…

Explores the social interaction of young children with disabilities in inclusive, center-based settings by describing the social interaction of very young children with disabilities and investigating strategies used to promote these interactions. These strategies include peer-mediated, child-mediated, and teacher-mediated strategies. (Author/CR)

A study investigated the importance assigned by 100 adolescents to 14 communication skills under conditions of talking to peers and to teachers. Adolescents perceived that skills associated with empathy and considered to be addressee-focused were important for peer communication and skills related to discourse management strategies were important…