"The School Administrator" recently invited AASA members, as well as some local board members and state-level administrators, to share examples of policies or actions exemplifying the changing relationship between state government and local schools. Officials from West Virginia, Illinois, Georgia, New York, Virginia, Louisiana, Wyoming, Ohio,…

An expressive arts therapist and a pediatrician in an inpatient child psychiatric unit collaborated on the design of psychotherapeutic visits for sexually abused children. Three cases illustrate the potential therapeutic role of the pediatrician in resolving traumatic events, by decreasing the child's anxiety about physical concerns. (JDD)

Data on recently widowed women suggest that many are quite self-sufficient; however, in areas where support is needed, they largely rely on children. Widows' past experiences and attitudes toward independence influenced amount of overall help they received, whereas income, number of children, and perceived willingness of children to help affected…

Recipients of treatment designed to change their behavior have the right to a therapeutic environment, services whose overriding goal is personal welfare, treatment by a competent behavior analyst, programs that teach functional skills, behavioral assessment and ongoing evaluation, and the most effective treatment procedures available. (Author/JDD)

Teachers who regularly "enable" or rescue students are inadvertently reinforcing irresponsible behaviors that undermine students' self-esteem. This article discusses how and why "enabling" occurs in schools, how it affects students, and how "codependent" adults can minimize behaviors allowing students to avoid responsibilities and opportunities…

Adolescents are often overwhelmed and disillusioned by the monumental and momentous task and risk of making a career choice. Adults in general and counselors in particular can assist them not only in being more realistic about their career expectations, but can be especially helpful by encouraging them to develop personal attributes and skills.…

Examined the support systems of public school principals, comparing male and female and married and unmarried principals. Specific characteristics of spouses who provide support were explored. Data from surveys of 170 principals reveal males and married principals have a more concentrated support base, unmarried and female principals less so. It…

Discusses findings from two studies of coping and adaptation in families who adopted children with developmental disabilities. Focuses on two sets of factors that emerged from both studies as central influences on parents' management of their children and adoption outcomes, specifically, the availability of resources and supports, and…

Explains how simple daily events can be pivotal for youth and children in therapeutic care, noting that the relationship between caregiver and child begins with the first step of "saying hello." Emphasizes that this relationship is a tool to help the child reach goals and that it is never easy to know how to begin. (BGC)

In the rush to use technology for instructional delivery, the support and guidance needs of adult students, especially those with low levels of education, can be neglected. A student-centered approach should start where people are and technology should be used when appropriate. (SK)

Contends that hopeful attitudes about learning for high-risk students can be rediscovered when students believe they are competent; tasks are not too easy; subjects are important to students; students are involved in learning; teachers demonstrate love of subjects; students perceive activities/goals as real; lessons are fun; students feel welcome;…

Examined how obligation, reciprocity, and quality of personal relationships affect whether siblings (n=108) provide social support to seriously mentally ill (n=85). Reciprocity was important predictor: more help respondent siblings received from ill siblings, more willingness to help they showed in return. Availability of parental and other…

Describes a kindergarten class project in which five-year-old children became community helpers by producing joke books and distributing these joke books to waiting rooms of medical facilities to be used by child patients. (BB)

This study found that, in the early stages of joint participation in community recreation activities, 19 nondisabled adults expressed cautious yet optimistic attitudes toward developing "friendships" with people with mental retardation. Such friendships are often perceived to be based partly on obligation and/or altruism. (DB)

Investigated high school students' (n=325) knowledge of suicidal peers. Found 68 percent of females and 42.5 percent of males knew peer who had committed or attempted suicide. Ninety-seven students reported having talked to a peer who was definitely considering suicide; of these, 63 percent talked to their peer, 24.7 percent told adults, and 12…