This action research project implemented and evaluated a program for improving classroom seating arrangements in order to increase on-task behavior among students in second and third grade. The problem of off-task behavior was documented by means of behavior checklists and anecdotal records. Analysis of probable cause data revealed that students'…

A study determined whether changes in knowledge, selected attitudes, and self-examination behavior occurred among college-aged men after exposure to alternative cancer education programs. College-aged men (n=128) from two large health education classes at a mid-western university were randomly assigned to two treatment groups. The first group…

A summative evaluation study of the National Dairy Council's learning system, "Food...Your Choice," was designed to address three concerns: (1) effectiveness of the learning system in enhancing elementary school students' understanding of nutrition; (2) effect of instruction in nutrition on student attitudes about nutrition and student behavior in…

This paper describes a holistic milieu approach for underachieving, socially maladjusted students in a junior high school in Mattoon, Illinois. It also reports on the effects of the program on certain academic, affective, and behavioral measures taken on those students. The program, called the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), included five teachers, two…

Describes a peer culture development program implemented in three Chicago public high schools (N=150), which uses peer influence in group meetings (classes) as means for reduction of adolescent problem behavior. Reports an evaluation study providing generally positive findings showing reduction in destructive or detrimental behavior. (Author/LLL)

In 1999, a small Brooklyn middle school in a high-crime neighborhood created the Brownsville Youth for Peace (BYFP) school safety project. The school's students have low test scores, and parents are generally not involved in school activities. BYFP coordinators (school staff, teachers, and students) assessed the nature of the school's safety…

This paper examines the roots of youth violence in U.S. society and the specific risk factors that predispose children to use violence. Using surveys of the literature, interviews with researchers, and an observation of an intervention, the report describes a highly successful school-based program of identification and intervention for high-risk…

This study evaluated how college students reacted to an Early Alert notice about their grades. Undergraduate students in 19 specific courses were sent a notice if they were receiving a C minus or below at the 5-week point of the semester. The study investigated whether students who received the notice actually performed better than did control…

Although afterschool programs for children have been operating for many years in some communities, the afterschool movement, the great national awakening to the opportunity afterschool offers, is just a few years old. As public demand for afterschool has grown, so also has the demand for accountability. That is particularly true in programs…

Tests the impact of two social-cognitive interventions implemented in the 6th grade (Intervention 1) and 8th/9th grades (Intervention 2) on student's skill acquisition and on their 9th and 10th grade substance use. Results indicate positive program effects for Intervention 2 on skill acquisition and overall drug involvement. (RJM)

Assesses the impact of a school-based sexual risk reduction program on adolescents' knowledge, need for information, problem-solving and communication skills, and intention to talk about and to practice safer sex. Results indicate significant treatment effects with knowledge, perception of skills, and frequency of communication. Other results are…

Pre- and post-tested students sent to an alternative school for carrying weapons in regular school who received anger management training infused into the curriculum. Ethnographic field notes were used to examine staff and student reactions to the intervention. Significant reductions in willingness to fight and improvements in ability to control…

Provides empirical validation for a behavioral self-management technique to improve homework-related behavior. Elementary and junior high school students (N=42) learned the technique through audiocassettes and written material and mechanical aids. Results indicate that the technique may help children assume responsibility for their independent…

Notes how "The Writers' Zone" project took place in an 11-18 mixed comprehensive school in south-east Essex and involved 16 Year 7 boys identified as having a high level of performance in non-verbal reasoning but low levels of performance in verbal reasoning. Details the structure of the project and evaluates its success in accessing…

A program to decrease unnecessary visits to an elementary school health room involved teachers asking students to visit the health room only for serious problems and urging parents to support the goal of reducing health room visits. Substantial decreases in ambiguous, unidentifiable complaints and health room visits were found following program…