A study examined the use of sensory integration techniques to reduce the maladaptive behaviors that interfered with the learning of nine high school students with mental impairments attending a special school. Maladaptive behaviors identified included rocking, toe walking, echolalia, resistance to change, compulsive behaviors, aggression,…

All administrators and teachers face the challenge of implementing discipline procedures that are effective, particularly for special-education students. This book provides an array of practical solutions to everyday problems, primarily for use with special-education students who challenge discipline techniques. The techniques described are based…

A kindergarten teacher sought to redirect violent and aggressive play in her classroom. Noticing that most of the aggressive acts came from a particular group of boys who played war-like games, she began daily discussions with the 24 kindergarten children about their free play in an effort to subdue aggressive and violent play. To counter images…

This paper, written by a school administrator to parents, discusses parents' role in creating a positive educational environment, from providing a structured home life to volunteering in their child's classroom. The paper begins by asserting that a primary cause of behavior problems in the classroom is parent-child relationships in which the…

Divorce is a major life stressor and is a lengthy process which often results in long-term emotional and psychological damage to children. The effects of divorce on children are explored in this review of the literature. Some studies indicate that the preschool aged population is the most vulnerable to divorce, whereas others insist that no age…

Although the basic growth changes for teenagers are the same as they were 20 or 30 years ago, the environment in which these changes occur has changed. This book describes the characteristic changes in human behavior which take place from year to year between the ages of 10 and 14. Part 1 of the book describes the longitudinal research, which…

This digest explores some of the reasons for spanking, examines its effectiveness, and suggests alternative discipline methods. Many parents believe that spanking will teach children not to do things that are forbidden, stop them quickly when they are being irritating, and encourage them to do what they should. Others believe nonphysical forms of…

This study investigated state policy, court litigation, and accreditation standards with respect to the use of time-out as a behavior management strategy in special education programs. The study's emphasis was on existing standards concerning the use of locked time-out rooms and student supervision requirements during the application of time-out.…

Lack of proper discipline in schools has long been a major concern of the public. Proposals on how to improve discipline have ranged from the bizarre to the cruel. Educators and administrators must devise alternative punishments to replace traditional methods, such as corporal punishment, suspension, and expulsion, that are frequently ineffective.…

Focusing on failure experiences, two studies explored the attributions of self-blame and responsibility and the motivational patterns of avoidance and increased diligence in elementary and middle school students. In the first study, 298 third through sixth grade students and 396 sixth through eighth grade students completed a self-report…

This Boys' Town paper for parents examines the reactive aggression of children who respond aggressively to what they view as provocation. The paper differentiates between reactive and proactive aggression by presenting examples of each. Factors that can increase aggression in families are noted, including punishment acceleration, crossover,…

This brochure is intended to inform parents and teachers about the nature of bullying and ways to address the problem. Questions answered in the brochure are: (1) "what is bullying?"; (2) "how extensive is bullying?"; (3) "what are some characteristics of bullying?"; (4) "what are some characteristics of victims?"; (5) "what are some consequences…

This paper provides an overview of the effects of otitis media on the learning and behavior of children and youth. It begins by describing the conductive hearing loss that is caused by otitis media and the classroom behavior that can result, including poor concentration and attention, disobedience, irritability, and poor social skills. Discussed…

This guide is designed to assist educators in meeting behavior challenges by focusing on four key areas that impact significantly on behavior in schools: (1) communication: the process of making one's feelings and opinions known to others and discovering the feelings and opinions of others; (2) expectations: the academic, behavioral, attitudinal,…

This booklet presents information designed to help teachers and parents of preschool children establish desirable behaviors and eliminate inappropriate behaviors. Several terms relating to behavior management are defined. Three types of behavior which must be discriminated, and appropriate responses to these types of behavior, are listed: (1)…