Introduces conceptual framework for developing positive, nonaversive, behavioral support plans for students with severe disabilities. Notes that framework is comprised of multiple components (alternative skill training, antecedent interventions, lifestyle planning) and offers comprehensive, proactive approach to reduction and prevention of…

Describes family change counseling group conducted at one junior high school with seven junior high school students, each of whom had experienced at least three different parental marriages. Describes the 11 group sessions and identifies emergent themes during sessions which revolved around family transitions. (NB)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997 mandated a shift from reactive strategies toward proactive interventions with students who experience both disability and behavioral challenges. The author describes how the methodology of Life Space Crisis Intervention can provide a source of data for functional assessment…

This paper, written by a school administrator to parents, discusses parents' role in creating a positive educational environment, from providing a structured home life to volunteering in their child's classroom. The paper begins by asserting that a primary cause of behavior problems in the classroom is parent-child relationships in which the…

Since self-concept is an excellent predictor of academic success, the author argues that improvement of student self-image should be a primary goal of educators. He maintains that the successful student has a relatively high opinion of himself, while the underachiever who evinces various behavior problems suffers from a low self-opinion. The…

This report contrasts the characteristics of high school students with disorderly histories and those without such histories. The sample consists of 1,318 eleventh graders in eight Wisconsin school systems. The major dependent variables are students' reports of being sent from classes for disciplinary reasons and skipping school with a gang of…

Describes the Mercy Tutoring Services Program, which provides individualized instruction in basic academic and life skills for high school dropouts, suspended or expelled students, those assigned to the program by Juvenile Court, or students with chronic truancy or behavioral problems. Suggests ways of implementing the model elsewhere. (AYC)

Describes some clinical observations of procrastinating and procrastinators and addresses how these observations have led to the development of a guaranteed scheduling technique (GST) to treat procrastination. Discusses the elements of GST and its implementation. Initial student reactions to GST have been favorable. (Author/RC)

Offers an alternative approach to school behavior problems by focusing on "exceptions," specific circumstances in which the stated problem occurs less frequently. Presents the "5-E Method" of utilizing exceptions through a case study. Although not a panacea, this positive method may prove useful to counselors. (RJM)

Describes the activities and benefits of Positive Peer Groups (PPG), a Cleveland-based diocese program involving 40 schools. Designed for students with behavioral or academic problems, it focuses on school service projects that teach students to develop and implement valuable social skills. Describes the positive social and academic effects PPG…

Addressing the problem of children being emotionally abusive to each other in the form of heckling and the more serious "put-down," this paper suggests that this behavior can stem from a need for attention, resistance, an inability to express feelings more appropriately, or a desire to test an adult's strength. It is important to listen…

Uses survey and interview data and recent findings to consider the marijuana problem in the following areas: marijuana use at an early age and for negative reasons; drug effects leading to learning impairment and school behavior problems; young people lacking accurate information; and usage leading to other drug use. (Author/RC)

In several studies, elementary school teachers identified problems involving affiliation, control, parent and home relations, student success, and time. Rural and urban elementary teachers reported similar concerns. However, rural teachers reported more problems with student success and control than suburban teachers, whereas suburban teachers…

Investigated the efficacy of positive behavior support (PBS) prevention/early intervention strategies on the rate of problem behavior displayed by elementary schools students during recess. Specifically, this study examined the effects of directly teaching playground-related behaviors and the use of a group contingency to reinforce mastery in an…