Discusses specific teaching strategies to nurture creativity in young children that guide choice, highlight human potential, and distinguish those activities that help children from those that are more impulsive and less developmental. Suggests that teachers need to encourage a love of work, concentration, self-discipline, and sociability. (MDM)

Interviews with mothers of preschool age children with established disabilities (n=230) and those classified as at-risk (n=32) were conducted, focusing on issues of children's peer relations and friendships. Mothers of children in both integrated and specialized settings perceived their respective settings as facilitating social development. Both…

This article presents a rationale for inclusion of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in regular classrooms; identifies current problems with inclusive practices; and offers a model program, the Irvine Paraprofessional Program. This program focuses on the use of paraprofessional teacher assistants, inservice training on…

Describes a pilot project of the Park/School Program which involved graduate students in environmental studies conducting field studies in ecology with 46 fifth graders. Provides an overview of the project's potential for effecting change inside and outside the classroom, and presents recommendations for future programs and research. (LZ)

Evaluation of integrated versus segregated schooling of 91 children with severe developmental disabilities found that integrated children spent less time with therapists, equal time with special education teachers, more time with other children, and less time alone. No differences were found on developmental skills; however, integrated children…

This follow-up study evaluated 2 programs for 40 preschool children with speech disorders: a home parent training program and a clinic-based, low parent involvement program. The home parent training group performed as well or better on measures of speech, language, personal/social skills, and adaptive behavior. Program costs were similar.…

A required research course in a Master of Social Work curriculum attempted to offer experience in integrating research and practice through a student research project, in which students worked to improve their interviewing and relationship-building skills through student roleplaying and peer feedback. Evaluations of the project's effectiveness…

Discusses the changing role of the school library media specialist based on guidelines and recommendations in "Information Power." Topics discussed include empowerment; current training and education for librarians; continuing professional growth and development; facilitating student learning by working with teachers; information…

Forty Dutch individuals (ages 2-34) with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome were tested using an extensive battery of intelligence, social competency, temperament, behavior, articulation, and receptive and expressive language measures. Results indicated that intelligence level was usually low and individuals were remarkably consistent in their social…

This article on the social behavior problems of children with language disorders who have or are at risk for developing emotional or behavioral disorders examines: prevalence of these disorders, social functioning of these children, early precursors to social competence, relationship challenges of school-age children, implications for assessment…

Thirteen teachers rated elementary students (n=30) with learning disabilities and low achievement as having significantly lower social competence and school adjustment than their achieving peers, but teacher ratings of junior high students did not discriminate among groups. Results support use of teacher ratings for initial screening of elementary…

Recently developed school programs for African-American male students give strong gender and cultural identity; strengthen social skills, discipline, and self-esteem; and redefine the "manly" African American. Some programs have faced legal and political obstacles. Early evidence of modest success is clear, but the long-term efficacy is…

Empirical research on the role of school recess is reviewed. Effects of child-level and school-level variables on recess behavior and the impact of recess on classroom behavior and social and cognitive competence are discussed. It is concluded that recess has important educational and developmental implications. (SLD)

This study for the Kentucky Department of Education identified and validated teacher competencies for teachers of students with emotional and behavioral disorders. The competencies address assessment, consultation, social skills development, behavior management, instructional programing/curriculum, personal/professional aspects, cognition,…

Confirms hypotheses correlating adolescent competence (comprised of dependability, intelligence, and self-confidence) with personal stability, career, and marital satisfaction. Uses data from a longitudinal cohort studied over 50 years and from recent interviews with 60 of the original group members. Concludes that early socialization largely…