Prekindergarten programs are expanding rapidly but evidence on their effects is limited. Using rich data from Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, we estimate the effects of prekindergarten on children's school readiness. We find that prekindergarten is associated with higher reading and mathematics skills at school entry, but also higher levels of…

We examined the contribution of socioeconomic position to the health and mental health status of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities in a sample of 10,438 British children. Intellectual disability was a significant risk factor for poorer general health, OR = 4.5, emotional disorders, OR = 2.0, and conduct disorders, OR = 7.7.…

This theme issue explores the behavior of teenagers. "Are the Kids Alright?" (Ish Theilheimer) develops a perspective on the subject of teen behavior, noting that a growing number of young people demonstrate discontent, alienation, aggression, violence, and antisocial behavior, and that a growing underclass of children is likely to fail.…

The Escuela Internacional Sampedrana (EIS) in Honduras implemented a new discipline program in its Primary School during the 1996-97 school year. This paper contains findings from three evaluations of the program--an initial analysis, a midyear report, and a year-end report. The first report analyzed the number of suspensions and detentions, as…

In February 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court mandated in Sullivan versus Zebley that, in determining eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Social Security Administration expand its medical standards for assessing mental impairments in children and consider individualized functional assessments of how each child's impairment limits…

One of a series of studies on corporal punishment of children, this paper argues that the reasons provided for the strong support of spanking are myths. Ten myths about spanking children are discussed by offering arguments that support the action and by quoting findings from studies that refute the arguments. The ten myths are: (1) spanking works…

This document begins by providing a brief historical overview of past attempts at classification, assessment, and treatment of students with school refusal behaviors. Limitations of traditional classification strategies are explored. Recent accomplishments with this population are then discussed, including the development of the School Refusal…

This study examined whether female undergraduate students who share with male undergraduates similar demographics, perceptions, and alcohol use locations, also share similar alcohol usage patterns, negative consequences, and predictors for both. Secondary analysis was conducted using 1992 and 1993 U.S. Department of Education Core Survey data…

This book describes negotiating tactics and countertactics by which educators may manage difficult students. Topics include methods for managing offensive and violent students; procedures for counseling and disciplining students; major theories and models of discipline; defense mechanisms and common causes of misbehavior; guidelines on current…

Findings of a study that examined teachers' and principals' attitudes toward responsibility for student disciplinary action are presented in this paper. Two questionnaires compared principal and teacher responses to vignettes of specific disciplinary situations. In the first survey, 40 elementary principals, 40 secondary principals, 40 elementary…

Issues in suspension reform are examined in this document, which identifies the need for reform in the Oakland, California, public schools and offers suggestions. Data was derived from the conclusions of educational researchers, experiences of educators and students, and analysis of local data. Following the overview, which asserts that the level…

This guide is designed to assist in providing appropriate educational services to secondary students who exhibit behavior problems. The guide discusses what is known about adolescence, as a basis for understanding secondary students. It examines methods of identifying students with behavior problems and proposes two courses of intervention based…

This review of the literature on the psychological and behavioral effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AS) first looks at aspects of the history and prevalence of AS use in competitive sports. Research suggests that one-quarter to one-half million adolescents in the United States have used, or are currently using AS. Some effects of androgens…

This report defines school refusal behavior as the refusal to attend school or difficulties going to school or remaining in school for the entire day, and sees school refusal as a significant problem that may occur in 8% of all school-aged children. It discusses difficulties of previous classification and assessment strategies for students who…

This literature review focuses upon research addressing the playing of music and its effects upon the academic performance and behavior of students with exceptionalities. Literature on music's effects on academic performance focuses primarily on mathematics, reading, and ability to attend to study materials. Behavioral research focused on the…