Used observation and teachers' ratings of preschoolers' social adjustment to the peer group to study the concurrent validity of social participation categories. Social participation categories of withdrawal and interactive play were well validated by other measures of social adjustment. Parallel play was correlated only with task involvement. (BB)

Describes a course designed to improve interpersonal skills for students in instructional development that was developed at Syracuse University. Highlights include course goals; class requirements, including student journals; course content and structure, including activities to develop skills in verbal and nonverbal communication and…

To reduce student depression and its academic consequences, a preventive training program for freshmen provided one group (n=85) with a semester-long course in personal competencies (affect management, self-control, social skills, and problem solving), and one group (n=86) with an academic skills course. Both groups were equally effective.…

Cites research studies of elementary and secondary public schools that indicate that teacher-librarians need additional education and training in social interaction skills to meet the needs of cooperative program planning and teaching as an instructional development activity. The necessity for communication between teachers and teacher-librarians…

Questioning of teachers and mothers of 84 Israeli students (ages 7-10) classified as either hyperactive, learning disabled, both, or neither, found higher distractibility and hostility among hyperactive children whose families were also reported as less supportive. Learning-disabled students were characterized by dependent interpersonal relations…

Considers the role of teacher-librarian as school administrator. Highlights include the perceived power and role of the teacher-librarian; how teacher-librarians spend their time; interaction with students; leadership as a gender issue; organizational abilities; and interpersonal skills. (Contains four references.) (LRW)

Observations of 4-year-old Spanish-speaking Mexican Americans and English-speaking African Americans in Head Start revealed that, during free play, children were determined to exercise control over their involvement with others. Most significantly, Hispanic children were reluctant to enter into verbal play with English speakers and thus received…

Investigated differences in depressive symptomatology, attributional style, dysfunctional attitude, and social competency in 147 adolescents classified as learning-disabled-unsuccessful, learning-disabled-successful, nonspecial education-low grade point average, and nonspecial education-high grade point average students. Results suggest that…

Adolescent students with behavior disorders at a Jamestown (Minnesota) residential facility create and produce a student newspaper. The project has been effective in motivating students, teaching and reinforcing basic academic skills, building self-esteem, and promoting positive social interaction. Skills developed transfer to the mainstream. (DB)

In examining the continuing problem of the disproportionate number of minority students in special education, this article urges implementation of experimentally validated interventions including: (1) early detection, primary interventions, and prereferral procedures and (2) academic as well as social competence, resiliency, and self-determination…

The everyday experiences of one Danish (15 children) and one U.S. (17 children) kindergarten class were studied. In the U.S. kindergarten, teaching of the basics predominated, while play was the main activity in the Danish kindergarten. How these approaches contributed to motivation for learning in the United States and social competence in…

A study found good problem-solving skills, reading at or above grade level, ability to get along with peers and adults, likeability, sense of humor, and having an adult mentor at school were associated with the positive educational progress of 652 boys (ages 13 to 17) with severe aggression and emotional disturbance. (Author/CR)

This study examined loneliness and sense of coherence among 187 preschool children in Israel, of which 111 were at high risk for developing learning disabilities. The high risk children demonstrated higher levels of loneliness and lower levels of coherence than the control group. The high risk children also were less accepted by nondisabled peers.…

Discusses three studies involving the Adaptive Success Identity Plan (ASIP). Study 1 provides reliability and validity evidence. Study 2 indicates that programming efforts targeting family involvement, self-efficacy, and stress and time management should enhance college outcomes. Study 3 shows that participants were more likely to use success…

Describes one aspect of a teacher-education model at California State University, Fullerton that encourages collaboration among credential students and site teachers to promote reflection on teaching and learning. The demonstration-application lesson cycle incorporates cooperative planning and peer coaching to improve students' teaching and help…