A program to increase staff effectiveness in implementing a group home behavior management program for residents with developmental disabilities was evaluated. The program emphasized systematic self-recording and supervisor feedback, and resulted in increased staff consistency in all four areas evaluated (such as implementing response costs for…

Examined whether adolescent adoptees differ from adolescent nonadoptees on indicators of emotional and behavioral adjustment and perceptions of family functioning. Identified areas in which adoptees are at potentially higher risk or have higher levels of functioning than nonadoptees. Investigated the relationship of adoption status to gender,…

Sixty-five children born to Swedish women who used amphetamines during pregnancy were followed to the age of eight years. Statistical correlations were seen between the extent of amphetamine exposure and psychometric tests, aggressive behavior, adjustment, and general assessment. Alcohol use during pregnancy and attitude toward pregnancy also…

Carefully reviewed Merton's writings on anomie theory to construct a more complete and rigorous test of the theory for respondents in early, middle, and late adolescence. Concluded that misspecified models of strain theory have underestimated the predictive power of strain theory in general and of anomie theory in particular. (JBJ)

This 4-year longitudinal study followed 12 infants or young children (6 boys and 6 girls) in 7 high-risk Swedish families (including drug abuse, chaotic family structure, antisocial behavior, and child care problems). Three girls developed mainly constructive (moderating) strategies; the other children demonstrated more or less destructive,…

Research on a team game designed to reinforce positive target behaviors is reviewed. Classroom organization, reinforcement criteria, when and how long to play the game, and reinforcement for winning teams are discussed, as are two variants on the original game. The game is found to be highly effective in reducing talking and out-of-seat behavior.…

Examined drug use, involvement in problem behavior, and family and peer predictors of these behaviors among Indian and white adolescents in a Canadian urban community. Found the groups had a similar rate for alcohol use; however, Indian adolescents showed higher rates and more frequent use of cigarettes, marijuana, solvents, and greater…

Reports on a comparison of the psychosocial adjustment of 50 academically gifted German 10-year olds with 50 of average intelligence 10-year olds. Finds no significant differences between the two groups. Finds elementary school gifted children are at least as socially and emotionally well-adjusted as their nongifted age mates. (CFR)

Maintains that a survey of beginning social studies teachers would probably show that their major concern is classroom discipline. Discusses discipline-related issues such as why do students obey rules, what actions should be taken, and discipline strategies. (CFR)

Research on training trainers in program implementation is reviewed, focusing on the train-the-trainers model of behavioral consultation. The disconnection between research and practice in the field of behavior analysis is addressed. An emerging approach involves guiding practitioners in choosing, adapting, applying, and evaluating interventions…

Regular education teachers who have students with disabilities in their classes may face challenging behaviors that have the potential to interfere with the learning process. The article describes some strategies that regular educators can use to successfully handle disruptive or distracting behaviors, focusing on prevention and problem solving.…

In inclusive schools, teachers must adjust classroom behavior management concepts to new classroom situations of learning and discipline. Collaboration with administrators and other staff members provides teachers with additional ideas and resources. The paper discusses why collaboration fails, why it is difficult, and necessary components for…

Two studies conducted with elementary-age children who displayed behavior problems (some with mild mental retardation) found that task preferences, task demands, and adult attention showed a positive relationship to improved behavior for some subjects. The studies were conducted in an outpatient clinic and a classroom. (Author/JDD)

A strategy is presented for helping to reorient students returning to the regular class from pull-out special services. A planning sheet is provided to help teachers correlate environmental characteristics with problem student characteristics and then select specific strategies. A table lists reentry problems and suggested strategies. (DB)

This article discusses social behaviors related to success in school and offers practical suggestions for helping students with social-behavioral deficits to master them. Skills and subskills relating to peer relationships, work habits, and general coping are discussed. A teacher rating scale for assessing these skills is included. (PB)