A study compared four groups of students with physical disabilities: 53 U.S. integrated students, 14 Czech integrated students, 51 Czech students in special schools, and 66 Czech students in residential special schools. More integrated students reported lower levels of aggression, more positive self-concepts, and more positive views of the world.…

Examined relationship qualities and perceived social self- efficacy of 12-year-olds. Found that perceived low parental intimate support, high conflict with parents, and lower perceived self-efficacy were related to depression symptoms. Girls reported greater best friend intimate support and less conflict, greater self-efficacy, and stronger…

Compared free-play social behaviors of preschoolers with special needs in two inclusive preschool programs with those of typically-developing classmates, matched by age and sex. Found that children with no/little productive language spent more time in solitary pursuits than others and seldom initiated interactions. Children who were incapable of…

Surveyed fourth-, seventh-, and tenth-graders in Japan and the United States regarding evaluations of peer group exclusion of atypical peers. Found that with increasing age, children demonstrated sensitivity to context (reason the peer was different) and believed that the excluded child should not change to be accepted. Girls were less willing to…

This article reviews the effects of child neglect on three developmental periods: infancy/preschool, school-aged and younger adolescents, and older adolescents and adults. The severe cognitive and academic deficits, the social withdrawal and limited peer interactions, and the internalizing problems of neglected children relative to physically…

A study involving 185 high school students with learning disabilities explored their views of high school. While participants enjoyed the opportunity to socialize with peers, they found specific classes boring or too difficult. Participants were much more likely to report advantages to staying in school than disadvantages. Recommendations are…

Case studies evaluated the feasibility and benefit of inclusion of two high school students with mental retardation. The transfer of the students from a self-contained class to a regular class was associated with an improvement in classroom work skills; however, social integration was minimal. Teachers evaluated the inclusion as satisfactory.…

This study determined the degree to which the use of alcohol by junior and senior high school students (N=6,526) resulted in problems with friends, teachers, principals, police, parents or family, and adults in the neighborhood. (IAH)

Reports on a sociolinguistic survey conducted in Tokyo, Japan, that explores the social factors that relate to the use of nonstandard expressions among younger people. Sex, media exposure, and friendship networks were found to influence language standardization. (25 references) (Author/OD)

Examines effects of an improved staff ratio in New Zealand kindergartens on interactions between children and teachers. The introduction of a third teacher was associated with a statistically significant reduction in children's negative behaviors directed to peers. (Author/BB)

Explores how a commitment to privacy inhibits the ability of teachers to learn from each other, to reflect on their own practices, or to engage in classroom-based research. Reports on a case study involving interviews with two teachers. Analyzes their commitment to privacy as a function of adaptation to school conditions. (KO)

When 340 extremely mathematically or verbally talented 13 year olds were compared to 111 modestly gifted students, no differences were found in group activity participation or personality traits. In their ratings of peer perceptions, the modestly gifted exceeded the extremely gifted in being considered athletic and popular and in social standing.…

In two studies, a total of 213 Black and Mexican-American elementary school children were asked to respond to 8 videotaped scenes of everyday social encounters that occur at school. Actors were unfamiliar peers from the same ethnic group as the subjects. (PCB)

Research is presented on the effects of child maltreatment on various areas of functioning, including the development of secure attachment relationships, an autonomous self, peer relationships, and school adaptation. Implications of these results for assessment, intervention in educational settings, and policy development are discussed.…

A group of students with emotional disturbances generated a list of rewards and received rewards after accumulation of points determined by the daily behavior of each group member. Use of this motivator and behavior management tool seemed to increase the cohesiveness of the group and prosocial behavior of its members. (JDD)