A study investigated whether an academic or a social skills intervention would be more effective in increasing academic performance and social competence and in decreasing problem behavior of 53 first-graders. Academic, social, and behavioral outcomes measures were examined. None of the interaction terms was significant for any dependent variables…

A study examined the effectiveness of social story interventions for three young children (ages 3-6) with autism spectrum disorders. Results confirmed the effectiveness of this intervention for reducing the frequency of target behaviors. Target behaviors remained at a low level even after the social story interventions were discontinued. (Contains…

Chapin Hall has been conducting an implementation and evaluability study of the ECCI (Early Childhood Cluster Initiative) project since the midway point of its first year. As described in the authors' first report (Spielberger & Goyette, 2006), the initiative made considerable progress in its initial year, particularly in implementing the…

The "THOMAS" course (The Hampshire Outline for Meeting the needs of under fives on the Autistic Spectrum) is a four-day training programme to enhance the learning of young children with impairments in social understanding, communication and play by increasing the use of appropriate interventions. It has been supporting families and…

Every summer more than 10 million children attend day or resident (sleep-over) camps sponsored by churches, not-for-profit youth agencies, and independent operators. This study explored the outcomes of a 1-week or longer camp experience from the perspective of parents. A national sample of almost 2,300 parents responded to pre-, post-, and…

We conducted an evaluation of "Nobody's Perfect" Program involving 71 participants from Peterborough County, Canada. Prior to the program, parents completed demographic information, along with self-report measures assessing the types of interactions with their children, parent resourcefulness, knowledge and use of resources, parent…

This paper discusses insights arising from a recent doctoral study in a New Zealand early childhood setting. I was interested in how young children learn to be part of the group and drawing on a socio-cultural framework carried out a qualitative case study to investigate the enculturation of young children into childcare settings. The particular…

Background: Anxiety disorders are often undetected and untreated in adolescents. This study evaluates the relative efficacy of a school-based, cognitive-behavioral intervention compared to an educational-supportive treatment for adolescents with social anxiety disorder. Methods: Thirty-six students (30 females), ages 14 to 16, were randomized to a…

Social isolation and the harassment of students with disabilities are closely related problems that occur in schools throughout the country. Often, both problems begin in middle school. Social isolation and harassment can feed each other--without meaningful interaction with students with disabilities, other students are more likely to make hurtful…

There is little research regarding interventions for children with internalizing behaviors in schools, both within classrooms and in nonclassroom environments. In response to this need, a nonclassroom treatment package, consisting of (a) social skills instruction, (b) mediated self-management, and (c) a reinforcement system, was implemented to…

This article focuses on interpersonal problem solving as a way of enhancing the social competence of young children. While many children acquire strategies for interacting positively with others and need no specific intervention, some children have difficulty in acquiring or displaying successful interpersonal problem solving skills. When children…

The study was designed to determine whether use of an immediate photographic feedback technique by teachers can enhance self concept development and extend appropriate social activity in 46 handicapped children (aged 2-6 years) from four classrooms in two schools. During the first week all teachers completed the Social Competence Rating Scale and…

Suggests use of questions as instructional tools. Provides guidelines for devising effective questions and handling responses to questions. To evaluate the program, the author advises the trainer to consider content, methods, presentation, time, and atmosphere. Also reviews self-evaluation techniques and forms. (CSS)

The authors look at the advantages of skill-based pay, the situations in which it seems to be particularly effective, and how such a pay plan works in actual practice. (Author)

Examined the rating behavior of Black and White judges within the context of a social skills training program for patients (N=12) diagnosed as schizophrenic. Results indicated that Black and White judges may rate various social behaviors differently. (LLL)