Postulates that the use of competition and directed cooperation to maintain orderly classrooms discriminates against those less able to compete. Suggests the use of group projects to foster cooperation and enhance student discipline and morale. (CJM)

A questionnaire given to parents, teachers, and principals of middle-school students shows general consistency among the three groups in ranking student behavior problems--except on student use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, which is ranked high by parents but low by school authorities. (JW)

This book presents highlights from the February 2004 Forum. It is a highly informative resource on the discussions of implementing and maintaining student support systems in different environments. It provides perspectives on helping to achieve student success for students with emotional and behavioral problems.

One notable gap in the evolving literature on bullying and victimization during early adolescence is the role that peers play in promoting such behavior by either reinforcing the aggressor, failing to intervene to stop the victimization, or affiliating with students who bully. This Digest looks at the limited research available on the role of the…

This paper is a review of current research on the effects of children's exposure to domestic violence in the home in regard to their psychological well-being. Specific areas of focus include studies that examine general effects of witnessing domestic violence, the presence of trauma-like and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, potential…

This policy brief describes children from "Welfare, Children and Families: A Three-City Study," using data from the first wave of the study which involved a random-sample survey of about 2,400 low-income children and their caregivers (mainly mothers) in low-income neighborhoods. Researchers collected information from mothers on their…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Linkages to Learning (LTL) model of service delivery on the behavior of 119 students, 73 in a school receiving LTL services and the remainder attending a matched control school in Montgomery County, Maryland. LTL is a model for collaborative, school-based delivery of an array of mental health, social…

This booklet describes issues that may occur in schools with refugee children, examining how to cope with refugee children who are unable to participate adequately in school. It describes how these children's problems show up (e.g., explosive anger, problems with authority, disruptiveness, inability to concentrate, rule testing, withdrawal,…

This booklet is the eighth in a series on educational practices that generally improve learning. The booklet explains principles for preventing a wide variety of youth problems ranging from discourtesy to serious life-threatening behavior such as smoking, alcohol abuse, and violence. The discussion of each principle includes a summary of research…

This book is intended to help parents and professionals understand the communication difficulties of children and adults who do not speak, including those with autism spectrum disorders. The first four chapters describe typical characteristics of nonverbal individuals and offer examples of the authors' approach to communication and the…

This paper describes Camp Ramah, a residential summer camp in Central Ontario that offers a one month program for adolescents with developmental disabilities. Up to 15 special needs campers, ages 12-25, participate with up to 400 campers and 150 staff in a residential camping experience. Most campers have mild to moderate mental retardation, some…

This book explores the relationship between effective teaching, behavior management, discipline, and colleague support. After an introduction, "I Never Thought I'd Become a Teacher," eight chapters include: (1) "The Dynamics of Classroom Behavior" (how student and teacher behavior affect each other, and control for the purpose…

This study examined the extent to which an After-School Peer Tutoring (ASPT) program in a rural southeastern school district was effective in elevating achievement levels of 89 at-risk middle school students enrolled in the program for one semester. End-of-semester grade was used as a measure of performance. The study also analyzed indicators of…

Teachers in too many schools are confronted with too many students who have become disengaged from classroom learning. Re-engagement in classroom learning is the key to maintaining positive behavior. This issue of the quarterly newsletter of the Center for Mental Health in Schools includes the following features and regular segments: (1) Beyond…