This action research project implemented a program for improving social skills in order to establish positive interaction among 4th grade students at a northern Chicago suburban school. Social skills deficiency was documented through behavior checklists and referrals, teacher observations and student reflection. Teachers reported that low incomes,…

Contrary to earlier views, studies show that preschool children with conduct problems will likely continue to exhibit some maladjustment in adolescence and adulthood. A high rate of aggression and noncompliance in toddlers can be predictive of serious antisocial problems later in life, if not treated. Interventions aimed at changing the disruptive…

This theme issue presents a variety of articles and resources on the application of positive behavioral support (PBS) with children who exhibit behavior problems in home or school settings. The first article discusses the importance of understanding a challenging behavior's purpose, implementing behavior change strategies, and monitoring…

This Digest discusses provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that require functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) and behavioral intervention plans (BIPs) to be conducted prior to a change in placement or suspension for more than 10 days, based on inappropriate behaviors for students with disabilities. It presents…

This report describes the methodology and initial results of an evaluation of the universal (school-wide) Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS) initiative in Illinois, including (1) strategies for establishing research-based practices and data-based evaluation systems in implementation schools; (2) methodology and initial findings of…

Using urban schools to provide a pivotal platform from which to launch mental health services, the target population in this study was a group of students (n=41), ages 5-13, with serious emotional disturbances and their families at two elementary schools in Cleveland, Ohio. The children were referred for school-based mental health services by…

Hypothesizing that young students would exhibit fewer classroom behavior problems when engaged in activities linked to their strengths and interests, this study examined the use of Gardner's multiple intelligences to improve student behavior. Targeted were 20 students in prekindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade classrooms in two suburban…

"Tackling Drugs in Scotland: Action in Partnership" (1999) set out a national strategy for all government agencies in response to public concern at the increasing incidence and negative consequences of drug misuse. Targets and monitoring arrangements were publicised to encourage co-ordinated action against drug misuse. By the end of…

Two studies investigated 10th-grade students' health attitudes and practices related to cardiovascular risk. A survey determined students' perceptions of their families' health practices and needs and students' confidence in their ability to modify parents' behavior. The Heart Health Test Telecast (April 1980) was used to stimulate parent-child…

Reviews characteristics of rural drug abuse and general considerations for rural service delivery. Describes the Prevention Project, a rural drug abuse program in Florida, and explains its development, philosophy, and teaching techniques, including a basic educational module for use with rural youth. Includes recommendations for similar programs.…

Reports on a series of programs designed to test the hypothesis that increasing student involvement in and understanding of social institutions combined with increased cognitive and social skills can decrease youth violence. The program combines law-related, conflict resolution, and service learning components with qualitative and quantitative…

Identifies and discusses the elements and applications of learning from negative morality. Negative morality refers to the experience of learning from mistakes thereby creating a body of personal knowledge about "what not to do." This knowledge not only protects individuals but steers them to the right behavior. (MJP)

Reports a study that compared the effects of a university health promotion course, before and after major revisions, on students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Student questionnaires indicated that both versions were effective in improving lifestyle-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The revised course was superior in modifying…

Inquired 69 students' beliefs about registering for high school chemistry. The information was used to develop a questionnaire and persuasive messages. Among 598 target students, chemistry enrollment was higher than expected for those receiving in-class student-only materials and lower than expected for those receiving student/parent take-home…

Describes a Dutch study of changes in teacher communication styles during their careers, combining findings from longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses of teachers' and students' perceptions of teacher interpersonal behavior. Survey results indicate the changes are found mainly in dominant behavior, whereas cooperative behavior remains…