Compared children's play with transformational objects (vehicles that change to robots) to play with representational objects (cars and figures). Found that those playing with transformers engaged in more parallel play and manipulative activity, while those with representational objects displayed more social play and more symbolic play. Found no…

Longitudinal teaching experiment engaged students in activities to produce fraction problems using specific terminology and satisfying certain criteria. Classroom interactions developed a common system of meanings and required negotiation of new social norms, leading to a new didactic contract. (SW)

An assertiveness training curriculum that was an expansion of two previous programs with young adolescents was presented to 22 fifth graders. Results did not show that training facilitated assertiveness on the performance components. Suggestions are offered for designing programs aimed at developing adolescents' assertive behavior in ways that…

Examines the transition from a single conversation to two conversations in a group larger than three by focusing on three distinctive properties of the schisming-inducing turn (SIT): (1) the changes in recipiency structure; (2) the sequence-structural properties of the SIT and its uptake; and (3) the topical properties of the SIT. (61 references)…

This study of four children (ages 4-5) with emotional and behavioral disorders demonstrated that high-probability requests delivered in a variant sequence were more effective than those delivered in an invariant sequence. Children were able to act as change agents by delivering the high-probability sequences. (Author/CR)

Positive individual and social behaviors were assessed among male gang members and males involved in community-based organizations aimed at promoting positive youth development. Correlations of attribute scores were more often significant for the gang than for the nongang youth. Approximately one-quarter of the gang youth had total positive…

Compared the community-based, peer social networks of 75 boys with developmental delays, 69 with communication disorders, and 66 without disabilities (ages 4-5). Results showed more limited peer social networks for both groups of children with disabilities based primarily on the frequency of contacts with peers and linkages established across…

This study of three adolescents with autism assessed the use of external reinforcement and self-reinforcement in increasing appropriate conversation. Results found self-reinforcement functioned as effectively as did external reinforcement and suggest that students with autism can be trained to use self-reinforcement to improve their appropriate…

Describes how a teacher explores the bullying behavior of a girl in her class to understand how kids negotiate for power within a learning community. Discusses activities she used to explore and examine the behaviors in her class. Focuses on understanding processes and practices, not on fixing or "normalizing" individuals. (SG)

This review of research investigates ways in which the resurgence of the political right and the feminist backlash have attempted to impose a "common-sense" concept of masculinity on the education of boys. Explores the effect of masculinity on boys' literacy practices and argues for teaching practices grounded in social construction of gender.…

This qualitative research examined risk-taking behavior among Mexican American adolescent girls who are not formal gang members but are associated with male gangs. Findings illustrate how outcomes associated with sexual relations, partying, substance use, and crime vary according to the girl's relationship with the male gang and status within the…

Functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) were used to develop and implement behavior support plans for three middle school students who were not successful under a check-in, check-out system. Following implementation of function-based support, each participant demonstrated both reduced level of problem behavior and reduced variability in problem…

Describes the lives of street children in two South American cities. Explains the mores, sanctions, and values of the society in which these children live. (PCB)

Argues that behavioral differentiation of the sexes is minimal when children are observed or tested individually. Sex differences emerge primarily in social situations resulting in social styles that place females at a disadvantage in interactions with males. The role of the nuclear family in the development of these styles is discussed. (FMW)

The play behaviors of three groups of preschool children were compared. The physically abused children (N=11) were more antisocial, disruptive, and aggressive yet passive. The 15 sexually abused children were relatively quiet and engaged in more female-type activities, while 10 non-abused control group children exhibited more positive peer…