A survey of 1,368 Pennsylvania college students found that a total of 23.9 percent used tobacco products (14 percent cigarettes and 10 percent smokeless tobacco). Data support the need for prevention and intervention programs beginning at the elementary level and continuing through college. (SM)

Administration of the School Social Behavior Scales to 81 elementary-age gifted students indicated that subjects had higher levels of social competence and lower levels of antisocial behavior than did a comparison group. Findings also indicated the presence of a small subset of gifted students with extremely poor social competence and high levels…

Two priorities of a Colorado elementary school (increasing the quality of parent-school partnerships and modeling and building student self-esteem) led to the school's parent-observation process. An accountability team selected two parent-observers, who worked with the principal and two teachers to develop a training guide, an observation outline,…

The press and the public criticize schools for all our youngster's ills but are overlooking parental responsibilities. Instead of pushing for vouchers and other potentially damaging "quick fixes," parents should insist that homework is done, that teachers are respected and obeyed, and that school is attended daily, while accepting some…

Discusses results of an evaluation of the conflict-resolution/student-mediation program in region II of the Dade County (Florida) Public Schools during 1992-93. Describes staff training, conflict-resolution instruction for students, the nature and extent of student mediation, and measurable program results. Although school behavior indicators…

A teacher educator--former teacher and principal, and mother of a developmentally delayed 12-year-old girl--discusses placement of special children from 3 perspectives. Under the best of circumstances, inclusion is a very good idea. With too little funding, training, or development, it can be a disaster. Selecting the right children for inclusion…

Analysis of data on 282 Baltimore (Maryland) children placed in kinship care following neglect or abuse revealed that, compared to classroom peers, subjects had poor study habits and attention/concentration skills. Subjects had average or better relationships with teachers and peers. There was poor to moderate concordance in assessments of…

To reduce problem behaviors in the classroom, teachers should emphasize the desired behaviors they want students to exhibit, through differential reinforcement of zero rates of behaviors, incompatible behaviors, lower rates of behavior, and communicative behaviors. This paper discusses the advantages of differential reinforcement, potential…

Examined drug use and related behaviors among 1,074 high school students. Found that alcohol was clearly drug of choice and produced variety of adverse consequences. Most frequently reported were arguments, trouble with parents and at school, and nausea or vomiting. Found grade level differences, but few significant gender differences. (Author/NB)

Although 91% of parents recently surveyed said they supported HIV education, schools have generally failed to provide adequate instruction for fear of stirring up controversy. Other obstacles include inadequate program content and timing of instruction, improperly trained instructors, and insufficient student involvement. Thousands of youngsters…

The use of functional analysis is demonstrated with a case study of a preschool child with behavior problems in the classroom. Discussion focuses on the steps of a functional analysis: interview, direct observation, systematic environmental manipulations, and development of intervention procedures. (DB)

Investigates the effects of pleasant fragrances on student behavior in two eighth-grade science classrooms. Suggests that students in a scented environment required fewer redirections of their behavior from the teacher. (SR)

The applicability of Ogbu's theory of cultural inversion to so-called involuntary minorities in the Netherlands is examined. Some features of cultural inversion were found in the Afro-Caribbean children, but the role of a culture of resistance remains unclear. It is suggested that Ogbu's theory needs elaboration and differentiation. (Author/MMU)

Intended to improve school safety by ensuring student compliance with rules, zero tolerance has become an excuse to treat all children needing corrective measures the same. An alternative approach, "Tough as Necessary," balances strength with fairness, incorporates school-specific values, and establishes and enforces differentiated…

Research examined Refusal Challenges, a software program that targets important social skills with effective training methods, as a way to explore drug refusal skills of eighth grade students (N=188). Results showed that a properly designed computer software program can provide an economic, efficient, and effective means of improving student…