This survey found that regular education teachers (n=312) felt that friendships between students with and without disabilities are possible, should be facilitated by adults, and are beneficial to all students. The survey also identified educational settings in which friendship, functional life skill, and academic skill development were most likely…

This study of teacher behavior and peer interactions in preschools found that peer interaction of children with disabilities was associated with resource teacher focus on groups that included children with disabilities and/or resource teachers' no response and was inversely associated with classroom teachers' focus on children with disabilities…

This article discusses assessment and intervention efforts for young children with disabilities, based on an approach to children's peer-related social competence which stresses developmentally appropriate practices. Application of the model to children with Down's syndrome illustrates the model's appropriateness to the special needs of children…

Social interactions between children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and their teachers, peers, and parents are discussed. Problematic interactions may depend on social skills deficits. Changing the focus to ADHD children who are not experiencing social skills deficits may prove beneficial. A review of the previous literature…

This article explores a group modality for working with men's beliefs regarding the personal, social, familial, and historical and developmental aspects of their lives. Presents common topics which might be anticipated in this group setting and demonstrates the use of this context in working with men's beliefs. (RJM)

Examined cultural differences in Costa Rican and U.S. fourth and sixth graders' perceptions of their relationships with social network members. Costa Rican children rated their relationships with most persons more positively than did U.S. children. Costa Rican family members and teachers played a relatively more important role than did best…

Two studies with 170 children aged 4-12 years examined the possibility that unsolicited help can serve as a low-ability cue. Targets of unsolicited help are perceived by children as less able students who are less likely to do well and less likely to be desirable workmates. (SLD)

Used the Revised Class Play test to compare the attitudes of Jewish second through seventh graders in Israel with attitudes of North American children, as assessed in previous studies. Although results on broad measures of leadership, aggression, and sensitivity were similar, some culturally specific differences were apparent. (MDM)

Thirty-five high ability Black students (ages 9-15) attending a predominantly White university summer enrichment program were compared to 35 White peers. Results suggest that, despite differences in achievement and social status, Black students were accepted by White peers and were comparable in self-concept and academic self-esteem. (Author/JDD)

This study with 82 gifted males (grades 1-12) used a questionnaire which focused on self-confidence, perfectionism, relationships with parents, relationships with peers, hopelessness, and discouragement. Findings indicated a significantly higher level of discouragement and hopeless feeling for junior high school boys as compared with senior high…

Asserts that beginning teachers frequently have difficulties working with students, colleagues, and in the school environment. Provides a list of "Do's" and "Don't's" for a successful introduction of their instructional techniques, policies, and expectations. Argues that a positive attitude and total involvement in their work are essential. (CFR)

Reports on study in which 81 high school students were interviewed about group stratification and its impact on individual adolescents. Finds many students labeled as "nerds" in middle school were able to improve their self-concept and reconstruct themselves as "normal" in high school. Contends expanded range of school activities and more diverse…

Assessed incidence and risk factors of unwanted sexual activity initiated by peers for 1,149 adolescent females. Twenty percent of sample reported some type of unwanted sexual contact in past year. Over one-third of this group reported having been forced to have sexual intercourse. Boyfriends were most commonly reported perpetrators followed by…

Presents a case study of power relationships among four- and five-year old girls in Australia that illustrates how the roles that children may use in play can contribute to the analysis of race relations between children. Understanding parallels between racial power distributions in society and in play requires careful observation. (SLD)

The first doctoral student of linguist John Swales comments on three aspects of their advisor/advisee relationship: the relaxed atmosphere in which work was done; the collegial style of interaction; and the advisor's active participation with the student in the research process. (MSE)