Reviews various methods of social skills assessment with children. Found that behavioral observations, sociometrics, and teacher ratings have been the most often used methods. Suggests school psychologists should utilize all three measures to secure a comprehensive picture of children's social behavior and to obtain some measure of social…

The historical relationship between social work education in Latin America and the United States is analyzed. New social work strategies have produced innovative approaches to curriculum development and content, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the social worker's role. Translating these approaches to the American situation is discussed.…

The impact of establishing Belgium's Louvain Catholic University in a rural area is discussed in terms of: increased population and spending power; employment and economic activity directly and indirectly related to the university; and collective equipment and its repercussion on social-cultural evolution. (JMF)

Described a naturalistic study of an Early Learning Lab which yielded examples of classroom management strategies that allowed young children to create their own solutions to help them feel empowered when accomplishing a task, while gaining self-confidence and a sense of identity from the experience. (Author/SD)

Research indicates that inclusive education promotes and enhances all students' social growth within inclusive classrooms and does not negatively affect typical students' academic growth. Studies also show that the presence of students with severe disabilities in regular classrooms does not affect teachers' levels of allocated or engaged time. Six…

Describes a model for preparing faculty in schools of education to incorporate character education in their teacher preparation programs. Lists eight traits that character education should engender. These are compassion, forgiveness, integrity, respect, responsibility, initiative, cooperation, and perseverance. Includes a list of references and…

Two focus groups of high-risk inner-city African-American and Caucasian adolescent girls (15 to 16 years old) were organized to explore issues related to sexual decision making. Transcripts of the groups were reviewed for recurrent themes and viewpoints. Verbatim examples are presented. Participants reported pressures to have sex and a lack of…

Presents suggestions for getting infants and toddlers dressed for outdoor winter activities, an opportunity to build self-help, social, and vocabulary skills. Suggested outdoor activities include using sand toys, riding in buggies or on sleds, and building paths, caves, and benches. Also provides suggestions for making homemade toys and for…

Examined children's behavioral and dispositional expectations for classroom best friends. Found that expectations were more important when evaluating a prototypic versus an actual best friend and that boys placed more importance on companionship, loyalty, and common interests for both types of friends. Suggested a need to consider the target of…

Explores mentoring as a means of promoting spiritual growth for women in a congregational setting. Surveys the roles and activities of mentors with special attention to utilization in business and educational environments. Proposes four likely components of a mentoring relationship. (MJP)

Observes that children's interests, especially their fascination with personal changes in height, weight, and abilities, can be used to help teach concepts of time and change. Illustrates how family and community contexts can be incorporated into this teaching. Includes suggested learning activities. (MJP)

Presents an integrative model of family development in cultural context as a framework for supporting the optimal development of Latino children and families. Describes two prevention and early intervention programs for Latino parents and children that work from a multidimensional, risk-reduction, and resource-enhancement approach, and focus on…

This article discusses the affective needs of gifted students and provides information about what counselors can offer to gifted adolescents and their teachers, including affective curriculum, training in active listening, and co-facilitation of discussion groups. Other strategies for addressing social and emotional concerns in programs are also…

Examines young children's physical development and how growth is linked to cognitive and social development. Discusses problems in American children's diets and the use of height-for-age and weight-for-height as indicators of physical maturity. Considers complexities of the physical-cognitive relationship and identifies possible ways that social…

This study investigated the effectiveness of a relationship-focused intervention on the socioemotional well-being of 20 young children with autism or pervasive developmental disorder. Weekly intervention sessions encouraged parents to use a responsive teaching curriculum to promote children's socioemotional development. The intervention resulted…