Explicitly communicating objectives is a tenet of effective instruction for students with learning difficulties, yet the practice is often overlooked in research. This case study of a novice middle school geography teacher illustrates how the qualitative and quantitative differences in the ways a teacher communicates the learner expectation can…

Describes two functions of behavior problems (escape and attention seeking), functional assessment procedures, and treatment implications of these procedures. Seeks to stimulate interest in the potential relevance and advantages of adopting the functional conceptualization of behavior problems to assess and treat behavior problems of typically…

Behavior management involves both the encouragement of social behavior and the reduction of inappropriate behavior. Initially, teaching efforts should be directed at identifying socially acceptable alternatives. If these efforts are unsuccessful, additional procedures that are specifically directed at the inappropriate behavior may be warranted.…

Examines whether substantial increases in the positive interactional ratios of six highly disruptive adolescents would decrease their behavior problems. Results indicate that the intervention significantly decreased behavior problems in the boys as a group. Discusses findings in terms of response-contingent reinforcement and systemic behavior…

A behaviorally-oriented activities therapy program was designed and implemented with adolescents who manifested problems at school, at home, and with peers. Techniques employed included: contingency contracting, assertiveness training, relaxation training, and cognitive restructuring. (Author/KC)

Recently, training efforts have been undertaken to reduce the negative outcomes associated with increased verbal aggressiveness and accentuate the positive outcomes associated with increased argumentativeness within adolescent populations. This paper presents both positive and negative aspects of assessing aggressive communication predispositions…

Presents a scenario that illustrates some negative side effects of independent and interdependent group-oriented contingencies. Makes recommendations for altering group- oriented contingencies to reduce these negative side effects and to increase the probability that teachers will use these contingencies to increase students' academic performance…

Evaluated effects of using conduct problem adolescents (N=18) as cross-age tutors for elementary school-aged mentally retarded students. When compared to students who received peer tutoring or group counseling, cross-age tutors improved significantly on social science and language arts grades, and had reduced rates of absenteeism and disciplinary…

Compared two levels of goal setting. In the first level adolescents were involved in setting goals for behavioral counseling. In the second level they were informed that goals were set, but were not involved. Results indicated greater degree of goal attainment and counseling satisfaction for participating pupils. (Author/JAC)

The experimental 1973-74 edition of Unit V consists of 35 life science curriculum activities intended for 13- to 16-year-old educable mentally handicapped adolescents. The role of the teacher in continuing field trials is noted and environmental themes and elements, inquiry skills, problem solving skills, and applicational behaviors and attitudes…

This study determines the effect a secondary school humanities program had upon the personal-social adjustment of its students as indicated by response to selected items in a problem checklist. The Mooney Problem Checklist, Form H (1950) was administered to 936 respondents, 454 males and 482 females. Response to all items (330) in the checklist…

Describes techniques for successful behavioral contracting with children, such as positively defining the desired behavior, establishing a behavioral count, and rewarding the behavior. Argues that, in addition to impeding inappropriate or off-task behavior, the contracting system also works with children who are shy and withdrawn. (RJM)

Program evaluation guidelines are drawn from experience evaluating residential child-care programs at the Starr Commonwealth Schools (Michigan). Delinquent and behaviorally disadvantaged youth participate in treatment based on the Psychoeducational Model (Brendtro and Ness), including full-time school, service learning projects, physical education…

An operant conditioning program for 12 problematic adolescent boys is described in detail. Complete procedures are discussed, including criteria for student selection and the Programming Interpersonal Curricula for Adolescents (PICA) academic and psychological test battery. The academic component of the program focuses on mathematics and English…

The Morse Crisis Intervention Center is a program of survival for the youth of the D.C. Public Schools who have been removed from the public junior high school because of disruptive behavior. The Center's on-going activities were supplemented by Project Advance in the following specific areas during the 1974-75 school year: (1) Psychotherapeutic…