Teachers at two elementary schools conducted behavior modification projects in their classrooms to verify the existence of reciprocity between the amount of reinforcement given and the amount received. Their findings, following approximately four weeks, suggest that such a relationship exists. (Author)

By training teachers to vary systematically the way in which they performed recitation strategy, it was hoped to determine (1) whether teachers can be trained to control precisely the way they teach when using that strategy and (2) whether different versions have measurably different effects on student learning. (MM)

Is there more disruptive behaviour in schools today? The simple answer to this often asked question is probably yes. But the reasons lie more outside teenagers than inside. For too many teachers there can be an attitude of: "I was a teenager once, therefore I know what it is like." We all develop in a unique time and the issues are unique to that…

This study used data from Wave 1 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to analyze the impact of Catholic school attendance on the likelihood of teens participating in 13 risky behaviors (e.g., using or selling drugs, committing property crime, having sex, engaging in gang-related fights, attempting suicide, and running away from…

This study examined discipline problems arising in kindergarten through eighth grade classrooms and teachers' attempts to solve them. A total of 746 students in 35 classrooms were observed by 35 teacher-education students placed in separate classrooms in southern New Jersey. During ten 50-minute observation sessions, each student directly observed…

The General Equivalency Diploma (GED) program is designed to help high school dropouts earn an equivalent credential. However, by helping teenage dropouts, the GED program may encourage enrolled youth to leave high school. This paper examines the issue using data on GED policies from the GED testing service and data on high school continuation…

This paper examines the role of community in education. It focuses on the relation between vulnerability and resilience and how this dialectic is fundamental to the workings of community. Community without vulnerability is impoverished since it offers no chance to build resilience. However, vulnerabilities may be perceived as flaws that could be…

The purpose of this study was to examine emotional contagion in the classroom. The theory of emotional contagion predicts that people automatically mimic and synchronize expressions, vocalizations, postures, and movements with others and consequently converge emotionally as a result of the activation and/or feedback from such mimicry (Hatfield,…

Evidence from research/evaluation studies indicates that the principles underlying law-related education (LRE) programs address the factors that put youth at risk for delinquency. Although rigorous evaluations of LRE are limited, what evidence exists suggests that LRE has potential to prevent delinquency and problem behavior. This digest…

Schools throughout New Jersey are embracing character education programs. A study conducted in the fall and winter of 2001-2002 at a school in Hillsborough Township, New Jersey, assessed student behavior over a 20-week period, focusing on four classes of second graders (n=75) during their recess period. Surveys addressing student communication and…

This study examines the extent of bullying in an urban middle school and the potential differences in bullying behavior as a result of gender. An instrument consisting of 59 items was administered to all students (N=745) in grades six through eight. Regarding the effect of gender, the results presented overwhelming data supporting the fact that…

This book describes how to use effective motivation in the classroom in order to increase student learning and decrease classroom management problems for K-12 classrooms. This book bridges the gap between theory and practice with useful applications of motivation theory. It enables teachers to determine the type of motivation their students need…

This paper presents a systematic procedure for threat assessment and intervention of school shooters. The model is designed to be used by educators, mental-health professionals, and law-enforcement agencies and is intended to help refine and strengthen the efforts of the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime. Its fundamental building…

Article describes a procedure to protect student rights and improve the process of identifying students' social, emotional, or learning problems. (Editor)

The authors report on a study designed to assess teachers' attitudes toward the use of Ritalin in the treatment of hyperkinesis in school children. Overall, the attitudes of teachers are cautiously favorable. Although teachers commonly have experience with a pupil using Ritalin, specific and accurate information about the drug is uncommon. (RP)