This action research project examined the effectiveness of an intervention to improve social skills in order to improve student behavior, reduce off-task behavior, and reduce loss of instructional time. The targeted population was a sixth grade class with 25 students in an elementary school in a rural setting. The problem of student behavior,…

This monograph summarizes national and state level changes in employment patterns for individuals with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. It presents longitudinal data from state mental retardation/developmental disability (MR/DD) agencies covering 8 years between FY88 and FY96, and for federal/state vocational rehabilitation…

While most are familiar with the expression, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me," children are often hurt by name-calling. This video with accompanying six page study guide is intended to show the effects of name-calling and inspire children to treat others with kindness and acceptance. The 22-minute video…

This action research project describes an intervention to increase attending and on-task behaviors in first- and second-grade students. The problem of inattentive behaviors was documented by means of teacher, student, and parent surveys and teacher observations. The intervention used behavioral management, organizational strategies, role playing,…

Discusses various changes which are occuring in society in general and education in particular (including the shortage of qualified mathematics teachers). Also discusses how to teach so that people will be able to adapt to change. In addition, proposes a four-step program to improve education in schools. (JN)

Investigated 90 Form Two students' (grade nine equivalent in USA) alternative conceptions and instructional strategies to affect change from alternative to scientific conceptions. Results indicate significantly larger improvement in acquisition of science concepts (mass, volume, density) by experimental groups resulting from strategies/materials…

Results of a program to improve teaching in New York City schools through teacher-to-teacher networks are reported. The program, IMPACT II, solicits ideas from teachers, awards development and dissemination grants, and helps other teachers replicate innovations. A District Incentive Grants Program for teachers is also described. (PP)

Arguments based on the philosophies of natural law, utilitarianism, paternalism, and distributive justice are examined for their pertinence to health behavior change strategies. Health educators should prepare individuals to make health-generating decisions but may need to limit the conditions under which they intervene. (Author/PP)

A Kellogg Foundation-sponsored team leadership development program at the University of Akron is described. It involves planned change, that can be effected by: involving a broad cross section of the university in discussions or problems; providing training in interpersonal relationships and group dynamics; organizing task forces; and setting up…

Institutional change, it is suggested, can be managed through task forces that focus on a broad spectrum of institutional problems and issues including internal and external communication, institutional planning, program review and evaluation, administrative development and performance review, and faculty development. (Author/MLW)

"Policy" has emerged as an organizing vehicle for encouraging innovation and guiding administrative decisions in academe. Barriers to innovation are identified as: general, faculty, administrative, and personal resistance. The development of leadership familiar with the nature and function of policy as an organizing concept is essential. (MLW)

Studies focusing on educational techniques of causing behavioral changes, as well as those related to general effectiveness of the educational enterprise in this area are summarized. Studies focus on local environments, public environmental concern, environmental concerns/behaviors of young people, outdoor activity and environmental concerns, and…

A Mega Model of Planned Change in education and social development is presented. The Mega Model consists of eight elemental models, which systematically deal with various aspects of complex change processes. Characteristics and applications of the CLER elemental model (configurational relationships, linkages, environments, resources), the basic…

David Easton's model describing how political systems operate can help health educators initiate improvements and resist harmful changes. The Memphis (Tennessee) Board of Education's experience with the adoption of family life education is cited as an example of a constructive political strategy. (PP)

Addresses the subject of organizational termination, suggesting it is an appropriate concern for the field of organization development, and that present methodologies are inadequate to deal with it. Describes a consulting experience with one dying organization and experimental intervention strategies. Describes behavioral reactions of staff to…