Using formal devices of language (grammar and phonology) and sociolinguistic norms, the study looks closely at the way in which narrative competence is recognized within the Navajo peer group. Children used in the study analysis are 10- and 11-year old Navajo children attending a Catholic school on the eastern part of the Navajo reservation. The…

The Support Development Group is an approach which explores and develops a theory for the relationship between network characteristics and notions of psychosocial adaptation. The approach is based on the assumption that teaching people to view their social world in network terms can be helpful to them. The Support Development Workshop is presented…

An approach for systematically observing and recording behavioral difference in the classroom is described, and its use with 11 behavior problem elementary students is discussed. The author points out the importance of peer sampling and the use of multiple observations to avoid erroneous conclusions. A case study of a second grade child…

This paper provides an indepth review of the literature dealing with females' involvement in delinquency and examines some of the widely held assumptions and their implications. Additionally, it sets out to assess the nature of changes in sex role attitudes or behavior which may be accounting for increased involvement by females in criminal…

A total of 20 boys and girls from grades 1, 4, 7, and 11 were interviewed on the topic of deviant behavior among their peers. They were also asked to make deviance judgments on two story characters whose behaviors exemplified qualities that typically evoke an attribution of psychological disorder on the part of adult judges. One story described…

Group therapy, in general, and positive peer culture (PPC) programs, in particular, are discussed in terms of treatment characteristics and effects on maladaptive adolescent behavior. Topics covered include the three phases (inclusion, power, and affection) of group treatment, difficulties (negative group experiences) produced by group therapy,…

This study assesses the social intelligence component using the Friendship Rating Scale. In a cohesive fifth grade class, peer acceptance was found to covary with academic achievement at the same magnitude that such achievement related with measured intelligence. Self ratings were not as efficient as peer ratings in the prediction of academic…

The author describes a counseling technique which: (1) is based upon behavior theory and treats acts and thoughts as operants, and anxiety as a respondent controlled by classical conditioning; (2) entails in vivo desensitization, requiring the construction of a hierarchy of anxiety-producing situations which can be enacted; (3) uses peer- or…

In this article are described the group dynamics of the inner-city school by focusing on hypothetical examples of teacher peer group and student peer group support. Also included is a discussion of possible ways for improving the educational environment. It is recommended that: (1) students choose between an array of differentially controlled…

This monograph explores and develops the concept of nongraded schools and establishes a more precise definition for this concept. The first part of the monograph reveals the degrees to which nongrading has been bent and collapsed to accommodate grading, and interprets the values and data supporting the rationale presented for nongrading. The…

This monograph briefly explores the nature of independent business and the entrepreneur turned business manager, and presents the concept of a Council of Independent Businessmen for the advancement of independent business managers. A variety of experiences contribute to learning of any kind. The entrepreneur-manager should develop some means to…

Choicepoint is the name of a peer-led decision making facilitation group for college age students. Decisions appear to be a major factor in maladaptive behavior, and prevention of problems may occur through responsible decisions and behavior. Choicepoint focuses on decision making in the areas of sex, alcohol, and drugs. A structured program to…

A study of teacher leadership styles and classroom climates in 75 elementary school classrooms shows that teacher task and expressive orientations strongly influence classroom morale. (Author)