This report presents grade six findings of the Longitudinal Study of Children at Risk, an on-going, prospective study that has followed 1,235 low-income, minority children in the Chicago Public Schools since 1986. Three major questions are addressed in the report: What are the children's levels of school competence and socioemotional development?;…

A practicum was developed to increase self-esteem, to lower anxiety, and to improve social skills in 13 emotionally handicapped (EH) middle school boys. An additional objective was to provide parenting classes which focused on increasing parents' knowledge and skills in improving their children's self esteem. The 8-month multifaceted program…

This longitudinal study evaluated the effects of a preschool project designed to serve children between 3 and 5 years of age in a disadvantaged inner-city area in Dublin, Ireland. The preschool, established in 1969, emphasized the development of children's cognitive skills and established structures to increase parents' involvement in their…

Using data from a larger intervention study of youth at risk for substance abuse, this study examined the impact of school transition on middle school and high school youth at high risk for alcohol and other drug abuse. Subjects for the larger study were 279 students from 30 secondary schools; approximately 10 students from each school were…

To investigate the differences between an instructional program that explicitly emphasized both decoding and comprehension and one that emphasized only comprehension, a study engaged two groups of first grade children identified as being at risk for learning to read in both effective decoding instruction and meaningful comprehension and thinking…

In response to increasing demands that Canadian school boards provide behavior adaptation programs to counter the effects of disruptive home environments, school violence, and victimization, this paper explores definitions and diagnostic criteria for the following behavior disorders: attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant…

A program was developed to address the needs of 20 day students with emotional and behavioral disturbances, who had been expelled from other special school programs. A small group format was used to teach and to practice fundamental social skills necessary for coping with the classroom environment. Groups of three children were formed on the basis…

This paper explores the barriers and possible solutions toward the implementation of the goal of a coordinated service system for young children with special needs and their families. The components of the vision of a comprehensive, interagency, multidisciplinary, coordinated service system are outlined, such as interdisciplinary cooperation, a…

This report describes findings of a project to identify promising school-based practices in evaluation and intervention with children having attention deficit disorders (ADD). Introductory material explains the project's purposes and procedures. The next chapter provides an overview of the 26 promising practices identified through nominations by…

There is no national policy on assisting drug-using pregnant mothers nor on the children they produce. This paper looks at the issue of "crack-cocaine" and mothers who give birth to children after using drugs during pregnancy. It attempts to lay out what is known, and it puts forth "best guesses" regarding helping children born…

This packet contains handouts for training school and community personnel to implement Project STEPS (Sequenced Transition to Education in the Public Schools), an interagency program to facilitate transition of young children with disabilities. A sample agenda for a 3-day training session is provided. Handouts are organized into the eight modules…

Smart Start, North Carolina's early childhood initiative, seeks to improve early childhood programs and ensure that all North Carolina children enter school healthy and ready to learn. This study evaluated outcomes related to Smart Start program inclusion of young children with disabilities: (1) access to inclusive programming; (2) quality of…

This report describes activities and accomplishments of Colorado's statewide system of early intervention supports and services during 1996-1997 under Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Major accomplishments identified include administrative changes, implementation of a community capacity building strategy, use of community…

This guide is intended to help parents and practitioners utilize natural settings to meet the developmental and health-related needs of infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. The mission statement of the Connecticut Birth to Three System is summarized and the term "natural settings" is elaborated on. Federal…

This paper reviews historical aspects of play, issues about recess time, and implications for children who have disabilities. It also describes the need for research to acquire information from stakeholders. Play is pleasurable, enjoyable, intrinsic, and the active base for cognitive, social, motor, and language development in children.…