Four procedures for improving the performance of nine motor tasks were compared with six physically handicapped and mentally retarded Canadian Ss, ages 12-25, five of whom were cerebral palsied. (BB)

Learning of subject matter and acquisition of academically relevant skills are important goals in enhancing academic achievement in the classroom. The results of 22 experiments reviewed in this article support the validity of the academic performance targets but not classroom behavior targets. Some limitations on these conclusions are discussed.…

Investigated the role of metatheoretical assumptions regarding clinicians' attributions of patient responsibility for problem cause and therapeutic change in contributing to similarities and dissimilarities in theoretical orientation and investigated the implications of these assumptions for clinical practice. Observed relations with estimated…

A survey of 200 student folders revealed that elementary school (ES) nonpromotion is primarily associated with low academic achievement and IQ, whereas junior high school (JHS) nonpromotion is mainly correlated to behavioral suspensions and absenteeism. Improved performance occurs in the year following an ES nonpromotion but not following a JHS…

Feedback, instead of evaluation, needs to be the main technique used in faculty development, and its primary focus should be on instructional improvement. Faculty consultants need to devote more time to helping both faculty and students through effective feedback techniques and the development of communication and interpersonal skills. (MLW)

The feasibility of using computer simulation to teach behavior management skills to special and regular education teachers in training was evaluated using microcomputer-simulated spelling lessons involving four pupils programmed to make off-task comments. After training, education students' management of off task behavior approximated that of…

Conducted a psychologically-oriented intervention program in addition to a conventional curriculum for adolescents (N=9) with behavior problems. Adolescents completing the program manifested less disruptive classroom behavior, increased their classroom participation, and displayed a more positive attitude toward school following participation.…

Reports two transdisciplinary interventions conducted by an Itinerant school nurse. The case studies presented involve a Prader-Willi syndrome student enrolled in a class for the trainable mentally handicapped and a student enrolled in a regular fourth grade classroom but considered at risk for placement in a behavior disorders setting. (JHZ)

Results of a behavioral contracting intervention with a fourth grader increased the child's school attendance from 48 percent during baseline to 87 percent during intervention. Stressed is the importance of collaborative consultation and use of validated interventions by school mental health professionals. (Author/DB)

The social ineptitude and the emotional and practical upsets of many learning disabled children require practitioners to find ways to help them improve their social skills. Training in Interpersonal Cognitive Problem-Solving skills, modified to address their unique difficulties, may improve behavior of learning disabled children. (Author/VW)

Supports role playing as an effective intervention technique that has been broadly adapted for academic research and applied settings. Presents a classification scheme for organizing these diverse role-playing uses, in terms of intraindividual and intact group change. Suggests that research and implementation of role playing would be best served…

Reports on a study designed to provide insight on college students' perception about acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Focuses on students knowledge about AIDS, their perceptions about their own risk, and any change in behavior they have made in response to the AIDS risk. (TW)

Adopts a longitudinal design to track mother-child developmental change in infant task-related mastery and concomitant maternal behavior. Finds that, as infants gain more mastery across time, mothers gradually withdraw support in terms of concrete, specific and nonverbal means of instruction. Results support a one-step-ahead model for maternal…

Adaptive Counseling and Therapy (ACT) is an integrative, metatheoretical model for selecting an appropriate therapeutic style based on the task-relevant development maturity of the client. The Counselor Behavior Analysis (CBA) Scale measures the central explanatory construct of ACT theory: counselor adaptability. Three studies designed to assess…

Argues that Behavior Alteration Techniques (BATs) improve students' on-task compliance which, in turn, is consistently associated with achievement. Indicates a substantial relationship between BAT use and cognitive learning on both absolute and relative measures of achievement. Shows that the teachers perceived by students as "good"…