Telephone home survey can be used to identify child behavior problems accurately and assess their frequencies and setting conditions for "normal" children. This technique appears to provide reliable information useful in the design of community-targeted behavior management packages. (CMG)

Data on the relation between marital turmoil (i.e., discord and divorce) and behavior problems in children are reviewed. Several parameters of this relation are outlined, including type of marital turmoil, form of the child's behavioral response, sex differences, age effects, parental buffering, and effects of parental psychopathology. (Author/MP)

Researchers concerned with the issue of children's play are urged to read the book "Children's Play: Current Theory and Research" edited by D. J. Pepler and K. H. Rubin which provides an up-to-date review of the conceptual, methodological and developmental issues related to children's play. (MP)

Eight theme articles discuss discipline in the classroom, including a definition of student management, ways to recognize and ward off problems, and how to cope. (JOW)

Suggests techniques for teaching students to comprehend test questions in a manner that requires them to think about both what is in the question and what could be in the passage. (HOD)

Offers opposing views of the merit of EQuality project, a high school reform movement designed to improve students' performance through curriculum changes. (JL)

Examined the effects of daily report cards designed to increase the completion and accuracy of in-class assignments in two youngsters described as having a behavioral history of difficulty in completing seat work. Use of the procedure produced immediate significant changes in rates of both completion and accuracy. (Author)

Found that the proportion of persons who indicated experiences of anomia related significantly to the associated proportions of persons who perceived adverse changes in financial conditions. Data suggest changes in economic conditions play an important role in societal integration, solidarity, and morale and their behavioral correlates. (Author)

Although it is too early to make definitive statements about cognitive-behavioral efficacy for treatment of traditional academic problems, initial research indicates that school psychologists should implement some of these cognitive-behavioral techniques for the modification of classroom learning problems. Well-documented implementations will be…

Using video to communicate between two opposing groups lets each side work through the issue's emotional aspects and outlines possible solutions. (Author/JOW)

Outlines a number of categories for a school district to review when designing an effective plan for program reductions in the face of budgetary cutbacks. (FL)

Points out the possible effects on the adolescent when the mother is seriously ill. The need for parents to be sensitized and to be made to understand their youngster's predicament is stressed. Suggestions are offered for intervention. Case studies are presented. A discussion by Harry J. Aponte follows. (Author/BEF)

Findings only partially supported the hypothesis that interaction dyads would be initiated and responded to in the same mode (i.e., dominant, nondirect, or nurturant); instead, initiated dominance by teachers and conduct-problem children was the most influential interaction characteristic affecting the classroom environment. (DLS)

Funding cutbacks affecting San Jose (California) High School have severely reduced the school personnel adequately prepared for educating in the inner city. Concentration on legally required basics has forced elimination of classes and programs appealing to student interests and needs, leading to disciplinary and attendance problems. (PGD)

Investigates causal factors, prevention, management, and treatment of adolescent suicide. (Author/DB)