This program profile presents a model for conflict resolution training and process that goes beyond school-based peer mediation programs. The program includes a formal process for resolving conflicts between parents, students, staff, school and community; a referral system of trained specialists; and resources which include workshops, curriculum,…

This final report describes activities and accomplishments of the FACTS/LRE (Family and Child Transitions into Least Restrictive Environments) project, a 2-year project to promote best practices in the transition process of 3-year-olds with disabilities from early intervention to preschool programs. The project delivered technical assistance to…

This review of the connection between student financial aid and student access to and success in higher education draws on existing research on these issues and makes recommendations for national policy on student aid and higher education. The resulting recommendations are: (1) create a new federal strategy, the College Success Program (CSP) that…

START was a dropout prevention project funded by Alberta Education and Alberta/NWT Region Human Resources Development Canada, successor to Employment and Immigration Canada. START addressed dropout prevention through a variety of school and community initiatives primarily targeting students in the junior high school years. In the 1993-94 school…

The "Discipline That Doesn't Hurt!" parent education curriculum has been taught by approximately 100 trained volunteers to nearly 3,000 parents over the past 4 years. Three different evaluation forms have been created and used, yet none of these instruments have shown whether parents who have completed the series are better able to analyze the…

The study reported concentrated on school leavers in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) who returned (dropbacks) to Job Corps Programs over an 8-year period. Interviews with 100 dropbacks explored who left school, why they left school, what caused them to come back, and the kinds of interventions that might succeed with other students. Part 1 provides a…

The two highest risk nights for teens are prom and graduation. Many students feel as if they have not really celebrated if they have not been drinking or using other drugs. Virginia Operation Prom/Graduation (OP/G) addresses the issues of youth drinking, drugging, and driving behavior during these high-risk social seasons. It encourages a positive…

This fact sheet offers basic information on developing and implementing rural respite and crisis nursery programs. It first defines "respite" as temporary relief for caregivers and families of children with disabilities, chronic or terminal illnesses, and/or for children at risk of abuse and neglect. It also defines "rural" and…

Schools, families, communities, and students must come together and share in the responsibilities of implementing effective policies and programs that address the unique needs of rural youth. A recent survey of 152 rural school principals in a northwestern state examined how they defined at-risk and how they, in turn, identified at-risk students…

Youth who experience difficulties in personal and social development, often struggle to integrate themselves into society and into the labor market. This digest outlines a model which fosters social and labor market integration for such youth. The model consists of three dimensions: (1) psychovocational; (2) sociopsychological; and (3)…

This book offers a British perspective on ways of conceptualizing, assessing, and intervening in the challenging behavior of people with severe learning disabilities, with emphasis on the types of technical support needed. An introductory chapter explains why the term "learning disability" is used rather than mental handicap, mental…

Canadian counselors working with young offenders confront at least two problems that interfere with effective intervention: a trend toward increased incarceration, and public confusion and mistrust over approaches to reducing crime. Research during the past decade is beginning to show clearly that programs for young offenders and other at-risk…

"Success for All" and "Roots and Wings" are comprehensive restructuring programs for elementary schools designed to make the idea that "all children can learn" into a practical, daily organizing principle for schools, especially those serving many children placed at risk. This book describes the programs in detail,…

This research paper describes strategies for increasing high school students' motivation in order to increase their academic success. The targeted population consisted of students in biology classes at a small high school in a growing middle-class community in rural Illinois. The problem of motivation was documented using anecdotal records,…

This paper contains recommendations for licensure for individuals working as early childhood special educators in a variety of settings. The fundamental position presented is that a free-standing credentialling process separate from the credentialling of general educators or of special educators is required for people who work with young children,…