Describes four characteristics that might be associated with the optimal use of peer-mediated procedures in integrated preschools: comprehensive in the skills and activities that they address, intensive or large scale in applications, practical and acceptable to teachers, and effective for producing intended outcomes. (Author/CR)

Three groups of third-grade students classified as either Externals (n=30), Internalizers (n=55), or Controls (n=96) were contrasted on 19 measures in social and academic domains. Results indicate large differences between externalizing and internalizing groups compared with controls; however, both externalizing and internalizing groups had…

Describes three Oregon school-community programs that improve student attitude and behavior: community-service learning projects for previously disruptive students, after-school programs that provide exciting group activities for students who maintain decent grades and stay out of trouble, and adult mentoring and group activities for high-risk…

Describes the development of an instructional model encouraging collaborative learning in graduate business education. The approach evolved from a survey of professionals concerning the interpersonal and individual skills needed for effectiveness in graduate school, the job market, and society, and resulted in a revised curriculum. (MSE)

Examines identity development of African-American students in both the interpersonal and the ideological domain. Results show that most of the students were engaged in the identity-exploration process. Results for the interpersonal domain were similar to those for the ideological domain. (Author/GCP)

Positive Peer Groups (PPG) is a leadership training program that helps alienated and disengaged students bond to school via participation in school-oriented service activities stressing work, discipline, and responsibility. Students form affiliations with peers involved in the same efforts. Results in Ohio schools are encouraging. (MLH)

Discusses factors associated with violent behavior in young children and strategies for addressing those factors, including using the "Turtle Technique" for practicing withdrawal and problem-solving, using social-learning curricula, using success-oriented instructional strategies for teaching academics, listing and practicing alternative…

Assessed similarities between 192 target children and their friends and nonfriends. Found that children and friends were more similar to one another than nonfriends across the dataset. Friendship similarities were greater in antisocial behavior than in other domains. Similarities between friends in sociometric status and size of the friendship…

Examined developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) and effects of teachers' DAP beliefs/practices on first graders' social skills and academic achievement. Found that students taught by teachers with developmentally inappropriate beliefs had higher language achievement than others. Students whose teachers' practices were neither appropriate nor…

Explored differences in the social and cognitive development of 4-year-olds in junior kindergarten taught by differentially educated instructors. Found that children taught by early childhood educators with 2-year college degrees in early childhood education and those taught by teachers with a university teaching certificate did not differ in…

An effective orientation program helps new board members understand that there is already a functioning board, no member knows everything, open discussion of interpersonal issues is essential, board members must focus on agendas, and the superintendent is the sole administrative contact and conduit to other administrative staff. (MLH)

The skill of accepting criticism was taught individually to eight female adults with moderate developmental disabilities. Evaluations, which were based on a ten-item checklist with a three-point scale per item, were conducted during role play situations. Results indicate that the training program was effective for all subjects. (Contains…

Examines the assessment of AIDS-related social skills (measured by role play) in Anglo and Latino Adolescents (N=383) and explores ethnic and gender differences on these skills. Results indicate that anxiety and nonverbal behavior are generalized response classes that transcend specific social skills, suggesting the importance of measuring…

Offers suggestions for improving administrative interpersonal skills, which are just as, if not more important, than technical skills. (LMI)

Discusses strategies for teaching social skills to children with learning and behavior problems, including how to select students for training, which social skills to use, teaching discrete skills and problem-solving routines, and helping students generalize training. Different types of social skills and assessment approaches are identified.…