Describes barriers to effective communications in parent-teacher conferences and the process of preparing for a conference. Emphasizes the need to set a positive tone for effective parent-teacher conferences. (DR)

Includes six articles: "Overview" (Olivas); "Preparing Women for Entrepreneurial Opportunities" (Ownby, Rhea); "The Business Plan: Key to Realism in Teaching Entrepreneurship" (Smith, Steward); "In Search of Praise" (Frame); "Communication and the Entrepreneur" (Inman); and "Preparing Potential Entrepreneurs for Tomorrow's World" (Clodfelter).…

Reminds teachers of sound practices of reading instruction, such as silent reading, the reading writing relationship, effective questioning strategies, proper reinforcement strategies, and ways to avoid wasting time. States that under the pressure of the demands of teaching, teachers may forget the sound practices they already know. (RS)

The reinforcing characteristics of bonus feedback were investigated, as 130 children from both regular and resource classrooms in grades two-four were taught time-telling using a microcomputer-controlled videodisc system. No significant differences were found among five feedback conditions used, indicating that bonus feedback had little positive…

Safety belt use with and without addition of an incentive strategy was observed among 8,635 drivers at a drive-through restaurant. During the promotional campaign, average rate of belt use tripled compared to baseline following the introduction of a contingent reward (a large soft drink), and declined during followup. (JW)

This study compared rates of self-injurious behavior (SIB) exhibited by a 32-year-old woman with profound mental retardation across conditions in which access to restraint was either continuously available, presented as a consequence for SIB, or unavailable. Rates of SIB increased when access to restraint was contingent upon SIB, suggesting that…

This article explains how to use constant time delay to teach multiplication facts to students who have learning disabilities. Specific techniques for using time delay on an individual or small group basis are outlined, a sample student data sheet is presented, and the role of reinforcement is addressed. (Author/JDD)

The teacher of a second-grade gifted girl with disruptive classroom behaviors worked to modify the girl's behavior and to develop a cooperative relationship with the girl's mother despite early friction. Efforts included strengthening home-school communication, having the mother secretly observe the girl's behavior problems, and rewarding both the…

Four studies analyzed eye poking behavior of a youth with profound disabilities. Results demonstrated substantive reductions in the frequency of eye poking when goggles were worn and when a video game was provided as a competing source of visual stimulation and as a reinforcer. Music was less effective in reducing eye poking. (Author/DB)

Investigated the relationships of problem behavior, emotions, and psychosocial factors using a three-dimensional model of three elements: positive/negative coping resources, rebellion from/ conformity to adult norms, and secretive/obvious behavior. Found that the model fit for both genders. Results suggest that males who do not have positive…

This article chronicles the development of level systems designed for students with significant behavior problems, to foster student improvement through self-management and positive reinforcement. The article examines assumptions underlying level systems' concepts and components and offers recommendations to guide future research into the design…

When a teacher is placed on probation, school climate may suffer. Ultimately, the improvement of a teacher on probation depends on the teacher's willingness to commit to learning the skills necessary to improve. Probation does not necessarily mean termination. If treated professionally, the teacher and the principal can experience growth and…

Analysis of videotapes of training procedures with 12 developmentally disabled adults in a horticultural day work program found an overall staff emphasis on selectively attending to workers' successful behavior with evidence of both efficiency and effectiveness of this approach. (Author/DB)

This article describes an intervention in which three parents were taught to use facilitative strategies when interacting with their children with profound mental retardation. The intervention consisted of reinforcing appropriate parent behavior as it was being observed by them on prerecorded videotapes. Facilitative strategies included the use of…

Most praise coming from teachers is ineffective or damaging because the compliments fail to encourage students. Praise should have three qualities: contingency, specificity, and credibility. Praise is most effective if it is personal, sincere, and focused on improvement and if it allows students to judge their own behavior and achievements without…