Describes social climate dimensions characterizing work, school, and health care settings, emphasizing how personal factors vary influence on morale and performance. Discusses cross-situational linkages, focusing on educator work climate and student learning environment, and students' school and family interplay. Reviews influence of personal…

School-based training programs for personal and social coping skills have shown evidence of effectiveness in primary prevention of substance abuse. Early intervention programs for students most at risk are also needed, such as peer intervention, student assistance, and behavioral self-management programs in the areas of smoking and alcohol/drug…

Offers practical suggestions to teachers in situations where they suspect that a child is being sexually abused or where the child seeks assistance directly from them. Specifically addressed are two commonly asked questions: (1) How do I know? and (2) What do I say? (DST)

This report from the Doing School Choice Right initiative reveals how two markedly different school districts, Milwaukee and Dayton, are confronting the challenges of competition. It explores how the two districts are affected by and respond to the pressures of school choice. Because it relies heavily on district's and school leaders' accounts of…

In the Life Skills Training program, teen leaders teach social skills to rural fifth- and sixth-grade children to help them resist drugs and alcohol in high school. Based on a Boys & Girls Clubs of America program, the 9-week after-school program provides youth with accurate information; teaches youth how to handle a range of problem…

Describing the frustration felt by early childhood educators when they encounter challenging behaviors that do not respond to their usual guidance and disciplinary measures, this guide, in English and French, is designed to give the information and skills needed to cope with children with challenging behaviors. The guide is based on the view that…

A study examined sources of stress and coping mechanisms associated with student teaching. Questionnaires were completed by 43 students taking a rural-based internship program in New South Wales (Australia), and four of them participated in case studies involving interviews and diary accounts. Factor analysis of the data yielded four categories of…

This paper examines resiliency and how it can be fostered through experiential programs. Resiliency is defined as the capacity to spring back, rebound, successfully adapt in the face of adversity, and develop social competence despite exposure to severe stress. A summary of research findings concerning resiliency presents the characteristics of…

Every year, approximately six million children transfer to new schools, leaving them vulnerable to social, behavioral, and academic problems. This book provides a look at this stressful and frequent life event for children, and offers practical strategies for easing the transition and helping children adjust to new environments. Research has…

This study examined college students' proneness to dropping out, focusing on student success in developmental mathematics. The study investigated whether or not three groups of college freshmen taking developmental mathematics (completers, grade C or better; nonsuccessful completers, grade D or F; and noncompleters, grade W) were significantly…

In response to the September 11th, 2001 terrorists attacks, "Comfort for Kids" was formed as a collaborative effort to provide support and resources to children and families directly affected. This facilitator's guide and student's guide represent one part of the three-pronged approach of the "Comfort for Kids" program. The…

Although a world of uncertainty and continual change is difficult to explain to children, by exploring and discussing the process of grief, parents can begin to understand the significance and necessity of the grief process and help their children to cope with difficult events. This booklet offers parents advice on how to talk with children about…

This report discusses the outcomes of a study that used cluster analysis to identify groups/clusters of children (n=158) with severe emotional disturbances receiving services at a rural, mental health center in Southeastern Ohio. Extensive data were gathered at intake that included information regarding child and family characteristics and the…

Not every child copes easily with the challenges school presents, and not every parent knows how to effectively help a child meet these challenges. This parent workshop video program builds from realistic scenarios of parent and child struggles over school to present parents with the tools they need to help children develop self-confidence,…

Discusses how the dynamics of stress and coping change with the processes of aging. Suggests that since aging is a highly individualized process, cross-sectional studies of the phenomenon may be inadequate unless supplemented by a longitudinal perspective. (Author/AOS)