Discusses the "communication hypothesis" of problem behavior and describes methods for determining the communicative functions served by problem behavior. Reports on application of functional assessment and functional communication training with toddlers. (DB)

Describes collaborative behavioral contracting as applied to the reintegration of students with disabilities, using as an example the case of a 13-year old who had been in a self-contained program for students with emotional and/or behavioral disorders. Covers the development of a behavior management plan, writing the collaborative behavioral…

Presents basic information on Ritalin, a frequently prescribed stimulant medication for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A quiz evaluates the reader's knowledge level and is followed by an explanation of the correct answers. Also considered are pros and cons of Ritalin use, teachers' and parents' responses to the quiz, and…

Presents a "Decision Tree" process for structuring team decision making and problem solving about specific student behavioral goals. The Decision Tree involves a sequence of questions/decisions that can be answered in "yes/no" terms. Questions address reasonableness of the goal, time factors, importance of the goal, responsibilities, safety,…

This study reports effects of a neurobehavioral intervention approach on motor skills of four children (ages 1 to 3) with cerebral palsy. Children demonstrated generalization of the movement component by using it to perform both a treated exemplar skill and an untreated exemplar skill, indicating that motor skills can be treated concurrently.…

Instruments were developed to test the following elements of Cervero's model of continuing professional-education effectiveness in achieving behavior change: motivation, social system, perceptions of the nature of change, and satisfaction with continuing professional education. Four studies and an expert panel confirmed the validity and…

Individual men (N=21) were studied as they related to health information over time to uncover motives for changing health habits relevant to prevention of coronary heart disease. Examples are presented, and cues to action are distinguished. Mediating factors and strategies for initiating changes in health behavior are discussed. (EMK)

The efficacy of teaching a 6-year-old with autism to make successful transitions in daily routines in three different school settings through the use of a photographic cue package was examined. Results indicated that providing advance notice of an activity change using combined verbal and photographic cues helped reduce the child's tantrums while…

A study examined the effectiveness of implementing a pre-correction and active supervision strategy on the rate of problem behavior during recess. The intervention reduced rates of problem behavior exhibited by elementary students (N=475), but was not effective in increasing rates of active supervision on the part of playground monitors. (Contains…

Reconsiders hierarchy models positing a learning model of behavior change wherein knowledge precedes attitudes, thus influencing behavior. Considers case of contraception in Peru; develops six possible knowledge, attitude, and practice permutations. Finds assessing the fit of such models consistent with emerging work in development communication…

Reviews the literature on the use of music therapy with visually impaired and socially isolated children. Describes ways that music therapy can help the child explore his environment, modify blindisms (stereotypic, autistic-like behaviors), and encourage social awareness and interaction with other children. (DB)

A study found no differences in the effectiveness of single- and multiple-work auditory prompts in teaching five adolescents with moderate mental retardation to transition through a chain of vocational tasks into work settings. Self-operated auditory prompts were effective for teaching workers to manage their own task change behavior. (Author/CR)

Calls for a critical evaluation of professional reliance on "talk" in the context of school-based consultation to induce behavior change. Reviews assumptions about talk, notes benefits to practitioners and researchers, outlines requirements for research on talk, and provides guidelines for practice. (EMK)

The addition of performance feedback increased treatment integrity for three teachers who implemented interventions in a residential treatment community. Findings support the need for direct assessment of treatment integrity in school-based behavioral consultation research and practice. (EMK)

Examines whether students would learn about friendship through guidance lessons led by their teachers with a sample of 5th grade students. Results indicate that students and teachers were receptive to the lessons. Teachers reported behavior change in some students. Students' perceptions showed an increase in using positive behavior toward other…