This study of fifth graders identified 22 behavioral cues to develop and test a peer-report measure of social transactions used to infer liking by peers. Sixteen of the 22 cues described positive behaviors, indicating that positive behaviors may play a more important role in relational communication among children than negative transactions. (TJQ)

Exemplary principals are hard to find. School executives should know their school demographics and seek candidates who understand students' socioeconomic backgrounds and sparkle with goodness and high intelligence. Interviewers must also consider candidates' credentials (particularly internships and assessment center evaluations) and select…

This article describes strategies to assist toddlers with special needs in inclusive settings to acquire social interaction skills. Strategies include: (1) arranging the environment; (2) group affection activities; (3) imitation of peers; (4) teacher prompts; (5) teacher reinforcement; (6) correspondence training; and (7) peer-mediated…

An individualized physical activity program with a strong social skills component was implemented with 45 students (ages 8 to 10) with learning disabilities. Participants' gains in self-ratings of competence and teacher ratings of social behavior were no larger than gains of control students receiving comparable attention through individualized…

New Zealander educators are using computer and multimedia technologies effectively to help students with physical and intellectual disabilities make significant learning advancements. Using computers can provide special-needs students with recognition and support and can enhance self-esteem, self-confidence, and motivation. Tips are provided for…

The value of teaching and modeling respect in the classroom is addressed for both general and special education. Six scenarios are covered, including modeling respect for another adult entering the classroom, modeling respect for a student's concerns, modeling respect in giving attention to a speaker, and others. (SW)

Identifies salient characteristics of learning disabilities, how learning disabilities affect individuals in social relationships, and how groups can be used to effectively facilitate individual growth. This is achieved due to therapeutic factors such as universality, instillation of hope, altruistic information sharing, and group interaction.…

According to Irene Dixon-Darnell, a 75-year-old great-grandmother who runs a chess-education program in the Washoe (Nevada) County Schools, chess can win-over some difficult students. She believes the ancient game of strategy teaches children to focus, encourages them to think critically and creatively, and even cures emotional wounds. Research…

Maintains that group activities in the classroom can be beneficial both socially and academically for students. Presents a six-step plan for helping students develop social skills while working in cooperative groups. Discusses classroom management, grading, and lesson structure issues related to cooperative learning. (CFR)

This study examined effects of a social skills intervention with 73 students (ages 11 to 15) with mild intellectual disabilities. The intervention, consisting of a computer-supported program, teacher-guided work, small-group discussions, and transfer to real-life conflicts, was found to result in social competence gains, compared to control…

Willingness to return to the same librarian avoids the limitations associated with using accuracy as a primary measure of success. Based on a case study, factors associated with the successful reference interaction are examined. Problems with accuracy as a success measure, staff activity upon approach, interpersonal skills, and ability to…

Female clients (n=76) at 4 university and community agencies completed surveys containing questionnaires concerning parental bonding, self-efficacy, adult attachment, and working alliance. Results indicated that parental bonds, especially with fathers, were significantly associated with social competencies, although working alliance was negatively…

Concerned with increasing numbers of student fights, a Maryland middle school initiated a peer-mediation program to help students deal effectively with conflict. Peer mediators received training emphasizing confidentiality, rephrasing, and cooperation. After one year, the number of suspensions and student arguments decreased, school climate…

Eight children with severe disabilities and eight nonhandicapped peers were observed in their regular elementary school classrooms. Results indicated that children's social acceptance and opportunity for interaction were not uniquely associated with their status as individuals with severe disabilities, and suggest that implicit standards and…

Assessed 19 students in academic training program in marital and family therapy for changes in their relationship and intervention skills. Found positive improvements on some measures. Trainee characteristics (clinical experience, gender, age, marital status, scores on standardized admissions tests) were unrelated to changes in intervention…