Direct instruction refers to an instructional pattern that stresses teacher directiveness, academic focus, and structured, sequential learning activities. The present study investigated the effectiveness of direct instruction with learning disabled children. (Author/BW)

Social norm feedback is a promising strategy for reducing alcohol misuse on college campuses. Examines the effects of a campus-wide media campaign on Division I student-athletes at three universities. Results indicate that the campaign-exposed group reported more conservative estimates of alcohol use in peers. However, there was no evidence that…

Reports a five-year longitudinal study of suicidal behavior of students in southern Florida. Describes a district-wide suicide prevention program and offers statistical data organized into annual, monthly, grade-level, and school-level classification of the degree and direction of self-destructive behavior among youth. Program effectiveness is…

American schools are faced with complex and deep-rooted challenges such as poverty, discrimination, weak school-family relationships, low student motivation, and high student mobility. These challenges must be overcome if children and youth are to meet their needs for belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity; experience social competence…

Many school personnel are becoming increasingly frustrated with the impact of student behavior on their schools. More than ever, the public perception is that student behavior is out of control. Although isolated instances of violence (e.g., school shootings) contribute to this perception, people are most concerned with the lack of discipline and…

Classroom management strategies designed to improve problem behavior directly affect student achievement. Researchers have demonstrated positive behavior supports (PBS) can reduce problem behavior. However, researchers have also found evidence that PBS may not always be successful and further studies are needed to improve the use of PBS as a…

This study investigated differences in aggressive attitudes, academic achievement and discipline referrals between bullies and non-bullies in a sample of 261 6th and 7th grade students over a two-year period. Through the use of a peer nomination survey, 16 students were identified as bullies both years (persistent) and 21 were identified only in…

This report evaluates the Behavior Change Program, a program in Broward County Public Schools, Florida, that helps severely disruptive elementary school children learn and apply appropriate behaviors. The program is modeled on a level system that moves the student from the self-contained "behavior" classroom to the "regular"…

A review of the literature on the effects of breakfast on mental performance and scholastic achievement reveals a dichotomy between the theoretical and the empirical literature. Whereas theoretical considerations maintain that breakfast makes a significant difference in mental performance in the late morning hours, empirical evidence can be…

There are many ways to assess the effectiveness of school conflict resolution training (CRT) programs. Some methods require extensive resources, but others, conducted by CRT practitioners themselves, also provide useful information. This digest presents a framework for CRT evaluation by practitioners that enables them to reflect productively on…

A summary of findings from a series of undergraduate class studies bearing on the similarities and differences between students using the counseling and/or psychiatric services amplifies an understanding both of student behavior and service functions. (MB)

Examined the effectiveness of a conflict-resolution skills training program offered as an alternative to out-of-school suspension in reducing violence among high school students. Pre- and post-intervention disciplinary data highlighted a statistically significant differences between groups regarding expulsion. Program completers received no…

Examines the effects of a Peer Norms Correction (PNC) procedure on college students' perceptions of campus drinking and their actual drinking behavior. Results suggest that PNC may be useful in correcting misperceptions about the norms for alcohol use but not for decreasing heavy drinking among college students. (Contains 28 references and 2…

Examines the effects of randomizing components of an interdependent group contingency procedure on the target behavior of 12 second-grade students. Study compares levels of disruptive behavior across baseline, an intervention phase with only randomized reinforcers, and an intervention phase with all components randomized. Results suggest that both…

Compared groups of colleges where students' binge drinking either increased or decreased over 2 years of campus prevention efforts. More institutions reported decreases than increases. Certain kinds of prevention programs appeared to work. Important characteristics of effective programs included changing the campus social environment, using…