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…

Today's superintendents are unaccustomed to sharing significant power with others and are expected to educate all youngsters effectively. Superintendents' responses to differences with their boards can profoundly affect progress in school improvement. By stressing dialog over discussion, superintendents might keep their jobs without sacrificing…

To survive a contentious, dysfunctional environment, interested school board members in a Pennsylvania community captured support from district leaders. A steering committee composed of the superintendent, assistant superintendent, and board president was formed. Establishing rules for brainstorming sessions and developing a "leadership…

Career and education specialists tailored a comprehensive support package consisting of personal futures planning, flexible educational programming, employment support, interagency collaboration, mentorship, social-skill building, and flexible funding to the needs of adolescents and young adults with chronic mental illness or emotional disturbance…

Uses current research and theory to frame the peer interactions of "Emily Dickinson," a 16-year-old with oral-language problems and social isolation. Classroom-based assessment revealed an interaction pattern in which Emily used her strong literacy interests and skills to initiate and mediate social interaction with peers, including another gifted…

Configural analyses of teacher- , peer- , and self-assessments of students' interpersonal competence were evaluated with 948 students (including 107 students with mild disabilities) in 59 elementary classrooms. The study found 54% of boys and 64% of girls with mild disabilities were in configurations suggesting adjustment problems or poor outcomes…

Describes assessment of children's social behavior using Social Skills Rating System (SSRS) and an item analysis protocol (IAP). Examines relationships among mother and father pairs, teacher SSRS ratings, and descriptions of kindergarten through 4th-grade students. Finds mothers' and fathers' SSRS frequency and importance ratings for their…