High-risk children aged 8 through 12 completed the Reynolds Child Depression Scale prior to and following participation in a therapeutic camp program. When compared to nonparticipants with similar learning disabilities or emotional disorders, the camp group demonstrated a significant decrease in level of depression following their camping…

Using hypothetical puppet interviews, 48 preschool children were interviewed about their preferences for teacher methods of conflict intervention. Puppet vignettes contrasted conflict issue, peer status, and resolution strategy (negotiation, power assertion, and disengagement). Results showed that preschoolers preferred negotiation strategies over…

Discusses efforts to criminalize fetal abuse, harm caused from a pregnant woman's use of illegal drugs. Such efforts have typically failed to withstand judicial scrutiny. Suggests that criminal prosecution for fetal abuse relies on questionable procedures, is unevenly applied, and may keep women from seeking drug treatment or prenatal care. (LKS)

The Future-Based Assessment/Intervention Transition Model is an individualized approach to educational planning for students with disabilities. The model involves developing a plan around short-term and long-term goals that will prepare students to meet demands in school and in future adult environments. (JDD)

Presents results of a study developing an informal social skills teacher rating scale for use with early adolescents. Reports that the scale includes skill identification and situational analysis. Provides information on identifying and ranking responses and checking a content validity and reliability. Concludes that the matrix can generate…

Two studies conducted with elementary-age children who displayed behavior problems (some with mild mental retardation) found that task preferences, task demands, and adult attention showed a positive relationship to improved behavior for some subjects. The studies were conducted in an outpatient clinic and a classroom. (Author/JDD)

A strategy is presented for helping to reorient students returning to the regular class from pull-out special services. A planning sheet is provided to help teachers correlate environmental characteristics with problem student characteristics and then select specific strategies. A table lists reentry problems and suggested strategies. (DB)

An interview with Christopher Schenk, Britain's Inspector of Schools, reveals his impressions of the differences and similarities of early childhood education in Britain and the United States. Topics included teaching methods, at-risk children, standardized tests, early intervention, family involvement in the schools, funding, and health care.…

This study investigated effects of a same-age tutoring procedure on academic and social behavior of eight behaviorally disordered middle school tutors and tutees. Results indicated increased scores on tutors' and tutees' math worksheets, improved attitudes toward math for both groups, and significantly improved social interactions between tutors…

Discusses the growing use of mediation in U.S. juvenile justice. Identifies the goals of youth mediation programs. Describes prevention and intervention program models and school, parent-child, victim-juvenile offender, and youth corrections mediation efforts. Argues that communities must be proactive in building citizen participation and forming…

This paper asserts that the educational philosophy of early childhood education (ECE) emphasizes child-directed instruction based on children's interests, whereas early childhood special education emphasizes teacher-directed activities that promote the acquisition of specific developmental skills. Research on parent-child interaction that points…

Discusses appropriate care for children affected prenatally or after birth by parental chemical dependence. There is increasing evidence that environmental intervention by professionals and other caring adults can alleviate these children's distress. Maximizing their development also depends on implementation of child welfare protections and the…

This paper presents a decision model illustrating the role of values in influencing choices between policy options in implementing Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The paper discusses value assumptions, the role of conflicting values in decision making, the concept of an individual hierarchy of values, and implications…

Takes the position, contrary to that of Sandra Scarr, that the details of socialization patterns are crucial to an understanding of normal and deviant development. Research is cited to support the argument that better than adequate parenting optimizes the development of both normal and vulnerable children and that parents' belief in their own…

This article describes new approaches to providing physical and occupational therapy intervention services in naturalistic early childhood settings and reviews the limited body of literature examining their efficacy. It offers assessment and intervention strategies that support a normalized approach to intervention and offers suggestions for…