Investigated the effects of the Chicago Child Parent Center and Expansion Program for six social competence outcomes up to two years postprogram. Duration of intervention was significantly and positively associated with reading and mathematics achievement, teacher ratings of school adjustment, parental involvement in school activities, grade…

Structural equation modeling was used to test a conceptual model and alternative models of competence in 191 children. Found that competence had at least three distinct dimensions in childhood and five in adolescence. These dimensions reflect developmental tasks related to academic achievement, social competence, and conduct important to both age…

This study explored the ability of 273 adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) to recognize facial affect cues. In general, the EBD subjects were less accurate than non-EBD peers in recognizing facial affect cues. However, adolescents with externalizing disorders were as proficient as non-EBD adolescents in their recognition of…

An observational project on children's early literacy examined conditions necessary for growth in literacy; ways children evidence their need for personal control through literacy; the social functions of literacy for young children; and how children manipulate and play with language. (TJQ)

Social competence of 239 students with and without learning disabilities (LD) was followed from kindergarten through fifth grade. Students with LD demonstrated the same trends in social competence as non-LD students. Students with LD differed significantly from average-high-achieving non-LD students on social skills and behavior problems, but not…

Reviews strategies and techniques to enhance prosocial development. Suggests ways for involving whole classrooms, entire school systems, parents, and communities in creating classroom and home climates for prosocial expectations and learner support. Gives specific activities, strategies, guidelines, and resources. (ET)

The author of EC 608 658 reflects on her interest in the social life of students with learning disabilities, the relationship of her study to other studies on social behavior and self-concept, the finding that students with learning disabilities attribute both internal and external factors for successful outcomes, and the importance of attribution…

Social context and maternal style of requesting and responsiveness were examined in teaching and social interactions in relation to 28 Down's Syndrome (DS) and 28 mental-age matched normal children's cooperation and social initiative. Compliance for DS children was similar to that of normal children for child-initiated exchanges but decreased…

Calls for a "renaissance in civility," discussing definitions of civility and the need to encourage manners and responsible behavior in children and adolescents. Argues that it is essential that elementary school children develop social awareness and social skills and that secondary school students be encouraged to take a more active part in their…

Studied mothers' belief in the importance and modifibility (versus innateness) of children's peer relationship skills and social competence. Maternal perceptions of childrens' competence were negatively associated with the extent of mother's involvement in childrens' play, whereas the quality of supervision was predicted by knowledge of…

Examines the literature on the relationship between educational deficit and various risk and protective factors: history of abuse or neglect, foster placement, child age, and environmental conditions. Findings suggest interventions with preschoolers that focus on strengthening children's socioemotional competencies and differentiate between needs…

Dyad interactions of three kindergartners with deafness or hearing impairment were analyzed. Results suggest that subjects were less successful at initiations than nondisabled children, but the success of the initiations may depend on number of children involved, accompaniment of actions and/or gestures with spoken or signed communication, and…

Surveys the literature on the importance of social skills acquisition. Cites factors that influence social competence formation, including parental characteristics and quality of preschool care or interventions. Suggests that students lacking social competence risk peer rejection, academic failure, and later social and emotional problems. Includes…

Relationships were examined between measures of shyness and self-esteem for 53 preschool children. Shyness was negatively related to a self-esteem rating and to a measure of the child's expectations of self-efficacy in performing motor tasks. Continued attention to early shyness in empirical, theoretical, and practical work is suggested. (Author)

Discusses the effects of gender segregation, which emerges in early childhood, on later adolescent and adult relationships. Suggests that communication and power relations in male-female relationships are likely to be influenced by gender differences in social norms. Provides recommendations for parents and teachers interested in encouraging…