This research project implemented and evaluated a program in interpersonal skill development designed to increase the use of applied social skills at a middle school located in northeast Illinois. Evidence of inappropriate interpersonal skills was gathered by using observation checklists, teacher and student surveys, and discipline referrals.…

The "Discipline That Doesn't Hurt!" parent education curriculum has been taught by approximately 100 trained volunteers to nearly 3,000 parents over the past 4 years. Three different evaluation forms have been created and used, yet none of these instruments have shown whether parents who have completed the series are better able to analyze the…

The present structure of the multi-disciplinary team in crisis centers for adolescents lacks training for youth workers in the decision-making process. This report discusses the development of a youth worker position on a multi-disciplinary team in a short-term residential crisis center for adolescents. Three youth workers, for a period of 3.5…

A reading comprehension program was developed and implemented that addressed the needs of sixth-grade students. The program focused on critical thinking skills using a teamwork approach. Each heterogeneous small group used a checklist composed of before, during, and after reading questions and activities. At the conclusion of the 12-week…

A practicum addressed the inability of fourth-grade students to successfully solve mathematics word problems due to poor comprehension of and negative attitude toward problem solving. A problem solving improvement program designed primarily around the writing process used in language arts instruction was implemented. The steps of this process…

A discrepancy exists between children's ability to compute and their ability to solve mathematical word problems. The literature suggests a variety of methods that have been attempted to improve this skill with varying success. The utilization of manipulatives, visualization, illustration, and emphasis on improving listening skills all were…

In this project, a plan for solving word problems based on the students' level of development was developed. A 10-week implementation of a plan for solving word problems at the concrete level of development included the use of a flow chart or plan to map out and solve word problems. Students then used the flow chart and manipulatives to develop…

A study asked 24 first grade children from 3 different classes to write number sentences and select appropriate alternative number sentences for addition and subtraction word problems. Results indicated that children could be characterized into five clusters according to their flexibility in accepting alternative number sentences and that…

A practicum was conducted at a small, private elementary school to introduce strategies that would reduce kindergarten classroom disruptions and playground disturbances due to fighting, verbal confrontations, and disregard for authority and rules. A survey conducted at the school revealed that kindergarten teachers handled a daily average of 10…

A fourth grade teacher and grade level team leader designed and implemented a 10-week practicum intervention meant to improve 26 fourth grade students' motivation, perseverance, and positive attitudes toward problem solving in mathematics. Students took part in activities that enhanced perceptual and deductive reasoning skills, including strategy…

The design of this practicum was to address the problem of parents obtaining a divorce who did not possess coping skills and who sometimes misdirected their frustration and anger at their children. Often, children felt responsible for the divorce and experienced a profound sense of loss and confusion. The major goal realized in this practicum was…

Many children enter school demonstrating excessive aggressive and impulsive behaviors, causing classroom disruption and interpersonal conflict. This intervention was designed to help first graders achieve social competence through conflict resolution training, problem solving, and anger management techniques to reduce aggressive and impulsive…

This practicum was designed to improve third grade students' problem-solving abilities through the use of problem-solving strategies. The project was implemented in a suburban elementary school that has a high percentage of students with limited or no English language skills. Activities were designed to increase the students' interest in solving…

This practicum report analyzes a driver and student training program developed at an elementary school to improve students' bus conduct. Seventy percent of students require transportation by school bus. Except for chronic bus misconduct, discipline has not been a school concern. It was hypothesized that the lack of a comprehensive program…

A course of study was researched, designed, and implemented by the writer to learn mathematics apprehensions of fifth grade students. The primary goal was to reduce mathematics apprehension through positive mathematics experiences at home as well as in school. The objectives of the program were to develop a more positive feeling about mathematics…