In response to Gresham and Elliott (1989), who concluded that a social skills deficit should not constitute a learning disability, this paper claims that current definitions allow for including social skills deficits. They propose limiting the definition of learning disabilities to intentional learning contexts, thus excluding social skills…

The social/verbal interactions of six employees with moderate or severe mental retardation and six workers without mental retardation were observed in restaurant settings. Among findings was that interactions between workers with mental retardation and the job coach correlated negatively with the workers' initiation of interactions with co-workers…

Studied 50 Native American and 50 white preschoolers. White preschoolers exhibited social skills more frequently according to the ratings of their teachers and parents than did Native Americans. Parents and teachers showed moderate agreement in ratings of frequency of expression of social skills by Native American preschoolers and in ratings of…

Exit individualized education programs of 331 students with moderate mental retardation were analyzed for their inclusion of 49 employer-designated important job skills. The most frequently addressed skills were in the category of work-related abilities, whereas the least frequently addressed skills were in the category of interpersonal skills.…

Parents can encourage their children to communicate openly about difficult subjects if they learn to make themselves approachable and help their children turn their toughest feelings into words. The article identifies types of issues often kept hidden, then explains how to build skills and create an open environment. (SM)

On a systemwide level, spin control means defining the issues and formulating an agenda for addressing them. On a personal level, school executives should develop a communications style that stresses honesty, updated information for everyone, wise choice of issues, appropriate responses to criticism, openness to expert advice, willingness to share…

Three high-school students with severe disabilities were taught to initiate and maintain a conversation independently across a variety of school settings with nonhandicapped students as communication partners. The conversation initiation and "turntaking" skills generalized to conversation opportunities in other settings and with other…

The effects of social interaction skill interventions on the social behavior of four preschool children with behavioral handicaps were evaluated. Findings indicated unique effects for social skills training and contingency management intervention. Results are discussed in relation to the role of reciprocal interaction and behavioral trapping for…

Presents two-role scenarios involving persons with conflicting needs or interests to enhance foreign language students' strategic intervention language skills in realistic situations. The scenarios not only encourage students to think through strategies to resolve a problem or conflict but also use their language skills to communicate effectively…

Although communicating with news media is important, direct, personal discussion should be the foundation of school board members' communication efforts. Other forms are supplementary. Advice is given on dealing with anger and criticism, arguing strategically, and developing conversational logic. A sidebar offers tips for dealing with the press.…

Despite the benefits shown by cooperative learning research, schools foster environments in which students vie for attention and individual achievement. Cooperative learning empowers students and teachers. Cooperation enhances academic achievement and teaches social skills. (BC)

Describes the process by which 19 students aged 8 to 13 years were chosen to be reporters at the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta. (MG)

Every decision made by successful school executives results in either a deposit or a withdrawal from their political capital. Paying attention to one's level of political support is essential for survival. To build capital, administrators must invest time in building good working relationships, concentrate on content, and emphasize accountability.…

How well administrators cope with a crisis depends greatly on their personal support systems. Sensitive professional colleagues who can accept troubled educator friends as worthwhile human beings can provide the support needed. Caring colleagues take time to communicate, with an accent on listening. Other ideas for supporting colleagues are…

Investigates the relationship between principal leadership style and organizational process in secondary schools and identifies effective leadership styles, based on a survey involving 64 secondary schools and 672 teachers in Hong Kong. Results indicate a strong relationship of leadership to organizational process. (37 references) (MLH)