Analysis of data on discipline problems and suspensions at a large urban high school found a high frequency of disciplinary referrals and suspensions and poor correspondence between school disciplinary policy and disciplinary actions. Students with recurrent suspensions were found to be a very heterogeneous group. Implications for developing…

Two exploratory studies describe patterns found in middle school discipline referral records. The first project involved the establishment of criteria for identifying the "most difficult" middle school students who would be candidates for a specialized mentoring program. The second project compared the discipline referral patterns of…

Reliability and construct validity of over 1,000 mothers' responses to the Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale-Parent Version were studied. Results indicated excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability on three subscales (Oppositional, Distractible, and Impulsive-Hyperactive) but only marginal reliability on the Antisocial Conduct…

Analyzed adoptive parents' view of their children's development within an attachment framework. Found six patterns of adoption ranging from secure/stable to insecure to nonattached. These patterns highlight the influence of care prior to adoption on the quality of present adoption placements. (HTH)

This article provides specific guidelines to help teachers: (1) prevent violence and/or weapons violations, (2) manage nonthreatening weapons violations, (3) manage a hostage situation, and (4) manage an explosive situation. Also included is a list of administrative responsibilities during a hostage crisis. (DB)

Elementary students (n=152) with either learning disabilities (LD), low achievement (LA), or mild mental retardation (MMR) were contrasted on 41 measures of school-related factors. LD students scored higher on cognitive ability whereas the LA group showed higher academic achievement. No differences were found on measures of social skills, problem…

This article offers a computerized concept-mapping program that can be used to display information gathered about a student with behavior problems as part of the functional behavior assessment process required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997. Application in one Florida school district is described. (Contains…

A study involving 247 adults with intellectual disability living in group homes, and semi-independent and independent apartments, found residents' personal and behavioral characteristics explained more of the variance of total lifestyle satisfaction than the living arrangement. Participants who did not need mobility assistance or has less problem…

This study examined whether item overlap, or measurement confounding, accounts for the correlation between temperament and behavior problem symptoms in children. Experts rated items on Children's Behavior Questionnaire and Preschool Behavior Questionnaire for their fit to both constructs, and then these items were factor analyzed with longitudinal…

Examined how peer acceptance and friendships moderated the link between family adversity and child externalizing behavioral problems. Found that peer acceptance in kindergarten and Grade 1 moderated the relationship between family adversity measures and externalizing behavior problems in Grade 2; friendship served as a moderator for harsh…

Examines the relationship between elementary school teachers' perceptions of control and the effects on behavior problems. Reports that teachers saw family and student-related factors as causes for problem behavior while rejecting school related factors. States that teachers felt in control in three specific areas: personal efficacy, interpersonal…

Describes one teachers' system of democratic discipline in which the children deliberate and construct the list of rules for the classroom. Addresses: (1) introducing democratic discipline; (2) daily routine; (3) typical problems, typical solutions; (4) novel solutions; (5) recurring problems; (6) unintended results; (7) context for children's…

Article draws on ecological-mediational model for school-based mental health services linking factors in school environment to children's mental health and academic achievement. Mental health services delivery model that incorporates school social workers as resources to teachers, families, and children is discussed as an approach to promote and…

Examined antisocial behavior, parent-child relationship quality, inept parenting, and adolescents' beliefs as predictors of parents' monitoring during high school. Found that greater concurrent monitoring knowledge related to less antisocial behavior, more parent-reported relationship enjoyment, more time together, and stronger adolescent-reported…

This article reviews eight comprehensive social-emotional curricula for children under age 6 and describes two promising curricula currently under investigation. These programs have been successful in the promotion of interpersonal skills and the reduction or prevention of challenging behavior. Attention is given to the level of evidence or…