Investigates the creativity and behavior precipitated by employing the mandala as an active centering device for children with Attention-Deficit Disorder or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Drawings were requested and rated according to the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale. Preliminary findings indicate that attentional abilities…

Discusses "Earning by Learning," a program designed to increase reading attitudes of academically at-risk children by combining two strong motivational factors: cash rewards and adult attention/approval. Tests the program's success with second and third graders at a site in Georgia. Finds overall success in frequent book reading,…

Six research studies are reviewed that examine the ability of environmental education programs in schools and resident camps to positively affect the environmental awareness and attitudes of children and adolescents. Outdoor educators must enable students to develop internal locus of control, critical thinking, and environmental action skills.…

This article discusses the difficulties some individuals with developmental disabilities have in responding to behavioral treatment and suggests an alternative to traditional behavioral treatment programs. It describes the use of the accommodation approach in which an individual's environment is rearranged to prevent or lower the occurrence of…

This study evaluated a program to teach social skills to children and adolescents using a cognitive behavioral approach in small groups that met weekly. One group of seven children and a parallel parents' group are described. Evaluation indicated improved social functioning for most children. The importance of liaison with parents and teachers in…

A review of the research on pharmacological interventions for students with attention deficit disorder finds that psychostimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) are effective in improving focus and impulse control, but should be used in conjunction with psychosocial and behavioral interventions. Comprehensive medical screenings and guidelines…

This case study evaluated an antecedent intervention for tantrums by a five year-old girl with cognitive, language, and motor problems. Functional assessment correlated tantrums with high-demand activities but not with novel staff. Intervention placed novel staff in charge of high-demand activities and successfully eliminated tantrums, which…

Studied 51 imprisoned male offenders who reported having stopped or reduced their alcohol consumption without formal intervention to discover which self-control strategies helped them change. Most commonly used strategies involved social change: finding alternative activities, avoiding heavy-drinking friends, and avoiding situations where heavy…

This article describes interventions available for remediating the social and personal problems of students with learning disabilities. Problems are categorized as environmental conflicts or personal disturbances. Interventions described include contingency management, cognitive-behavioral interventions, social skills training, stimulant…

This article describes principles and practices of data collection to evaluate the attainment of meaningful outcomes in educational services for students with severe disabilities and serious behavior problems. Several "user-friendly measures" which were field-tested in an educational consultation project are described. (Author/DB)

The paper reviews experimental/contrast groups and longitudinal studies of changes in adaptive behavior associated with retarded persons moving from state institutions to small community living arrangements.The paper summarizes outcomes in overall behavior, 7 specific behavior domains, and problem behavior. All 18 studies reported at least some…

Ninety-four Black families were assigned to experimental and control groups. The intervention group participated in education and physical fitness sessions for 14 weeks in a community center. Because only 20 percent eventually participated, no difference between the two groups in cardiovascular fitness could be detected. Conflicts with school and…

Illustrates that every child is to some degree involved in every class activity. Creative teaching can accommodate the needs of an apparently nonparticipating child. (BB)

Studies efficacy of Family Effectiveness Training (FET), a prevention and intervention model used with Hispanic families of preadolescents at risk of drug abuse. Studies 79 Hispanic families assigned to FET or control group. FET families showed greater improvement in structural family functioning, reported problem behaviors, and child…

Outlines self-management procedures used to teach rural behaviorally disordered students to rate their own classroom behaviors. Describes self-evaluation training, implementation in special education and regular classrooms, and fading of teacher reinforcement. Contains 11 references. (SV)