A model for developing systemwide interventions for behavioral and social skill deficits in preschool children with handicaps is discussed. The model incorporates a comprehensive, curriculum-based approach to assessment and program planning and a competency-based, didactic approach to teaching behavioral and social skills. (Author/DB)

Summaries of seven ERIC documents and four journal articles are given. These documents and articles concern issues related to children's social development. (BC)

Describes intervention, developed at midwestern community college, that was designed to provide social skills training for students with learning disabilities. Concludes that such a social skills training support group offers learning-disabled students a safe environment to practice new behaviors and compensatory strategies that may foster their…

This evaluation of 16 children (ages 7-12) with achondroplasia from Transkei, Hungary, and Nigeria found that, compared to controls, subjects had more behavior problems and less self-esteem. Subjects were socially withdrawn, internalized emotional problems, had lower academic performance, found less adaptive solutions to frustration, and faced…

Examined sex-typed traits (instrumentality and expressiveness), the work environment (demands and interpersonal resources), and importance of stressor episodes as predictors of measures of coping (avoidance, problem reappraisal, and active problem solving) with 132 managers. Found women more likely to use avoidance and problem-reappraisal coping,…

Thirteen subjects with autism and 13 with Down's syndrome (ages 5-27) were compared on their ability to respond appropriately to conversational "social scripts" concerning another person's distress. Compared to autistic subjects, subjects with Down's syndrome gave a greater percentage of relevant suggestions and sympathetic comments, and…

This study compared the adaptive behaviors of 20 autistic, 20 Down's syndrome, and 20 normal children matched on age equivalent adaptive behavior, gender, race, birth order, family size, and socioeconomic status. The autistic children displayed significant and pervasive deficits in the acquisition of adaptive social skills and greater variability…

Describes a study of seventh graders in Australia that was conducted to investigate the extent to which interactive video-based teacher ratings of social skill represented a valid measure of the actual classroom behavior of students. Correlations between the teachers' ratings and observed behavior are discussed and further research is suggested.…

Surveyed 75 student affairs professionals in different positions in 8 traditional areas to examine competencies needed by entry-level professionals. Results indicated that most valued competencies were those general ones applicable to work in most settings involving service to people, such as communication skills, ability to demonstrate caring,…

Conducted telephone survey of 21 organizations which had hired Central Michigan University business graduates. Findings were contrary to trend in literature of renewed interest in recruiting liberal arts undergraduates. Found that recruiters had intensified recruiting of business graduates. Recruiters were interested in number of student…

Action science is a communication technique that staff developers can use to increase interpersonal competence and problem-solving skills in schools engaged in the process of school transformation. An example of the action science intervention at a Maryland elementary school is presented. (SM)

This editorial contends that life-long learners can be created by teaching students how to learn in a mastery fashion and how to use interpersonal skills. School improvement can be achieved by implementing tools that have proved to be effective, such as cooperative learning, thematic learning, whole language, integrated curriculum, and learning…

Noting the effects of prejudice on all young children, proposes implementation of antibias education that would empower children to resist the negative impact of bias on their development and enable them to become critical thinkers and activists for social change. Offers strategies for incorporating multicultural and antibias activities into daily…

As part of Alberta's Educational Quality Indicators initiative, Fort McMurray School District developed a three-level approach to measuring student social skills that includes teacher ratings on report cards, diagnostic screening, and referral to a counselor. The 44-item Social Skills Diagnostic Screen covers personal and interpersonal factors,…

Reports on a survey of high school students in two school systems. Information was obtained on patterns of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use, indices of AOD use for grade and gender, and relationships of indices to individual, family, and social competence/adjustment risk factors. (SM)