The Portland Touchstone Project is a school-based integrated services program that focuses on alcohol and drug prevention by developing family strengths, by improving family relationships, and by enhancing the resiliency of at-risk youth. Information on project activities, guidelines for future development, and an evaluation of the program from…

Recognizing that violent behavior is a complex phenomenon that is manifested in many different ways, the focus of this paper is to inform the development and implementation of school-based violence prevention strategies. The Second Step Program of the Jefferson County Public Schools is highlighted as an example of a successful violence prevention…

The Survey of School-Based Gang Prevention and Intervention Programs is a study of approaches used by schools to reduce or prevent gang involvement among schools. Principals in a probability sample of 1,287 schools were asked what they were doing in their schools to prevent problem behavior or to promote a safe and orderly school environment.…

Evaluates the effectiveness of social skills training methods specifically designed to enhance children's peer relationships. Discusses "coaching" methods on the basis of a small scale survey of social skills training procedures in use at social service agencies, guidance centers, hospitals, and clinical settings. (Author/AOS)

Effective schools research problems (unreliable descriptions and definitions, over-dependency on tests, research limited primarily to elementary schools) result in narrow formulas leading to increased standardization, neglect of nonacademic areas, and failure to improve in schools with high test scores. Author urges using broader, more complex…

Describes an after-school program which provides academic remediation, socialization, recreation, group therapy, meal preparation and field trips for boys 10-17 with behavior problems. A summer day camp provides prevocational activities. The program's effectivness is characterized by high attendance and testimonials from parents and teachers. (JAC)

Describes operant conditioning as an effective means of modifying behavior of children in typical classes. Emphasizes effective operant procedures as having a contingency between child's response and teacher's reward. Reviews relevant literature. Suggests only tentative evidence from the present review supports the contingency of response and…

The author briefly traces the change in educational policy for foreign-speaking students from English-only in the 1930s to bilingual education today. While noting the promise of bilingual education, she points out attitudinal and administrative problems which need correction. (SJL)

Presents the accomplishments of a two-year old program conducted by three vocational agriculture teachers and two teacher educators in Ohio, which was able to help young adult farmers improve agricultural practices in India. Lists six questions for a vocational agriculture teacher to consider before accepting a foreign position. (LRA)

Discusses a wilderness camp program for children with behavioral problems and provides recommendations for applying the program ideas in a public school setting, including group huddles for problem solving, goal-oriented living and learning, quiet time for rest and reflection, allowing transition time, and partnering adversaries. (Author/CR)

Reports findings from a survey of 385 supported employment agencies on their use of natural supports in time-lined and extended services. Eighty-five percent reported that their agencies emphasize natural supports and that these supports have been successful. Resistance to natural supports by employers and coworkers is discussed. (Author/CR)

Argues that, in the context of the present health care system, interdisciplinary service-learning holds promise for equipping future health professionals with collaborative problem-solving skills needed to effect change in community health care. Describes three models of interdisciplinary service-learning in health professions education, explores…

Describes different approaches used to increase parent-child communication about sexuality and summarizes studies that have measured their impact. Focuses primarily on the impact of programs on parent-child communication, but also summarizes the limited research on the impact of such programs on adolescent sexual behavior, or on other determinants…

Two elementary schools were studied over two years of a schoolwide program to improve service delivery to students with behavior problems. Program components included an advisory committee, schoolwide organizational practices, schoolwide classroom management intervention, and individual behavioral interventions. Target students displayed improved…

Consumer satisfaction and social validity were measured during a double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of risperidone in treating aberrant behaviors of persons with developmental disabilities. A survey showed all 17 caregivers felt participation was positive. Community members (n=52) also indicated that when on medication, the 5 participants…