An ethnographic study was conducted in an elementary school to test the theory that teacher's self-described "worst classes" were those with a predominance of remedial reading students. Predictions of worst classes were made upon the basis of the schedules of students in the school reading laboratory. Designated teachers were asked to identify,…

A total of 174 elementary school teachers completed a survey soliciting responses to 40 statements about possible interventions with fictitious immature, perceptually handicapped, or unmanageable students. Favored interventions were those requiring teacher actions; less favored were actions directed by someone else. (RH)

Examined effects of multicomponent, participatory school reform process by measuring teachers' perceptions, remedial and special education student achievement, teachers' ratings of student behavior in 12 experimental schools and 10 control schools. Found reform program resulted in positive teacher attitudes toward change process, in new approaches…

Analysis of referrals of 204 children (grades K-5) to student study teams for prereferral services in an urban school district over 1 year found that referred students exhibited a mix of academic and behavioral problems. Teacher interventions typically "matched" the referring problem. Students with academic problems were more likely to be referred…

Evaluated the effects of a school psychological and social work program on children referred for behavioral and learning problems. General findings showed that consultation activities can be conducted with small investment of time and with a high degree of student accomplishment of objectives. (JAC)

Examined the relationship between teachers' ratings of classroom behavior and fourth graders' achievement. Inattentive-withdrawn and disruptive students were identified. Found that inattentive-withdrawn behavior was associated with depressed academic performance at least as much as disruptive behavior. Results suggest that teachers attend more to…

Although the divorce rate in Canada is growing, little Canadian research has studied the effects of family separation on children. To examine the effects of family separation on children in school-related areas, data were collected on 1241 students in kindergarten through seventh grade. Teachers completed an 11-item questionnaire for each student…

Examined student perceptions regarding the acceptability of teachers' adapting academic work and differentiating rules and rewards to meet the diverse needs of students with learning or behavior problems. Found that most students favored academic and behavioral adaptations when needed; however, most students in several grades opposed some students…

Two teachers working in Year 0-1 classes at Manurewa South School, a decile 2 school in the Manurewa area of Manukau City, Auckland, share their voyage of exploration around their own circle of influence. In this article the research team including Bronwyn Blair, a facilitator from the University of Auckland, worked through a cycle of needs…

Combined teacher ratings of perceived cognitive competence and misbehavior accounted for the most variance in peer acceptance or rejection of educable mentally handicapped children. Ratings of academic competence were associated with both acceptance and rejection of educationally handicapped children (a category of low achievers used in…

The "Inventario de Comportamiento Escolar" is a teacher rating inventory for the assessment of Puerto Rican children, particularly those with a behavior pattern indicative of attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, or academic underachievement. (JHZ)

The article describes children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), noting it can contribute to school underachievement, learning disabilities, difficulties in social adjustment, and emotional disorders. It examines diagnosis, neurobehavioral factors, and outcome and discusses coping via behavior modification at home, classroom…

This study investigated teachers' decisions regarding difficult-to-teach students, their causal beliefs, and their sense of efficacy. Teachers read a case study and indicated their feelings and beliefs about the situation. Teachers offered a variety of suggestions, most frequently suggesting non-teacher-based strategies. Those who made…

Background: Optimism and pessimism are positive and negative expectations linked with well-being in adults. Research on the importance of optimism and pessimism in children is limited by the lack of a developmentally appropriate measure of children's expectations. Method: Based upon the Life Orientation Test-Revised (Scheier, Carver, & Bridges,…

In eight Title I classrooms 32 first grade students were observed as they completed reading and writing assignments without continuous teacher supervision. Observations focused on the students' immediate responses, such as attention, performance on the assignment, and reported understanding of the task. Two working hypotheses are presented about…