Evaluated the effectiveness of interpersonal problem-solving skills training (IPSST) for the treatment of self-poisoning patients. Subjects were assigned randomly either to IPSST or to a control treatment. Although both treatments reduced the number of presenting problems, the IPSST was more effective as determined by other outcome measures. (RJM)

The Student Self-Concept Scale (SSCS) assesses self-efficacy expectations, outcome expectations, and subjective task value across academic, social, and self-image domains. This article discusses the scale's theoretical basis, standardization, reliability, and validity and offers a case study illustrating use of the SSCS with a child who had a…

This study, involving 125 female Irish elementary students, found that girls in a school which had 2 classes of students with moderate mental disabilities had more prosocial attitudes towards children with disabilities than girls in a school which did not have students with mental disabilities. Intervention resulted in a maturing of the children's…

Surveyed 154 nursery school teachers in Greece concerning their perceptions of the nature and extent of behavior problems exhibited by their pupils. Found that geographic region and the location of the nursery school (city, town, or rural area) affected teachers' perceptions of children's emotional and developmental problems, but not conduct…

Assessed impact of gender, ethnicity/home language, holding out, retention, and social promotion on first-grade achievement. Found that Latino students were more likely to be promoted to first grade, despite concerns about their performance, than were Anglo students. Interventions, such as retention, yielded no positive effects. (RJM)

Advances an important new way to conceptualize and assess the causes of parental behavior by examining how internal working models influence parents' beliefs and behaviors. Suggests that a primary source of parents' feelings of self-efficacy with respect to child rearing, as well as their explanations for their children's misbehavior, is the…

Addresses the legal tension between a teacher's right to privacy and a school board's right to demand exemplary conduct by teachers in and out of school. Concludes with a summary and two flow charts that illustrate the legal analysis that most courts follow when examining these issues. (MLF)

Incidental teaching of social behavior and friendship activities are naturalistic peer interventions that can be easily incorporated into preschool curricula for children with and without special needs. This article provides a rationale for these two strategies, a 10-step program for implementing incidental social behavior instruction, and…

One challenging part of being a middle school physical education teacher is maintaining student behavior while promoting a productive learning environment. The article explains how to use positive discipline to manage student misbehavior and help students see gymnasium participation as a reward. (SM)

Reports a study that investigated how kindergarten children view participation in physical education. Four students of varying skill levels were observed, interviewed, and videotaped. The students demonstrated a relentless persistence for play, which conflicted with the teacher's zone of acceptable responses. Children preferred tasks presented in…

Studied diversity in high-level competence with 122 students identified as academically gifted, in grades 6-8. Results, which contradicted linear, single-scale models of intelligence, supported a three-factor solution: linguistic, logical-mathematical, and social. Specialization and generalization developed in tension with each other, yielding…

Reviews recent empirical studies that examine the short- and long-term sequelae of physical child maltreatment (PCM). Assesses the current status of research examining PCM's impact on children's development and psychosocial functioning. Major findings are discussed in the context of pertinent qualifications of existing evidence. (over 140…

Examines public attitudes toward parental discipline practices, incidences of parental practices, the public's support for and involvement in child abuse prevention efforts, and the public's perceptions of causes of child maltreatment. Found that most persons view physical punishment and repeated yelling and swearing at children as harmful.…

Reviews the literature and the recent history of student participation in college and university governance. Presents data from studies attempting to assess the nature and extent of such participation and examines learning opportunities in student participation. Suggests ideas and models for thinking about participation in the future. (RJM)

Reports on a study of how seven fifth-grade teachers organized their social studies curriculum following the adoption of a new textbook. Finds that teaching styles were more varied than might be expected given the similarity of materials. Discusses three observed teaching styles. (CFR)