Adolescence is a critical period in biological, cognitive, and social development. The transition from childhood to adulthood is a time of particular vulnerability and risk as well as of opportunity for preventive interventions. The Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development is seeking to assess and develop programs to facilitate this transition.…

Students in middle grades have been neglected in education reform initiatives of the 1980s, yet outcomes for early adolescents have profound implications for society and the economy. Stressing the importance of higher order thinking and the dangers of risk-taking behaviors, this article urges increased middle grade intervention and reform. (AF)

This introduction to students with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) covers a historical perspective of these disorders, definitions of ADHD, etiology, behaviors associated with ADD and ADHD, developmental course, identification and assessment, services, classroom interventions, medication…

This article discusses the development and operation of the Conflict Prevention and Mediation Program (CPMP) at the University of California-Los Angeles, which is designed to address conflicts related to cultural diversity on campus and in the community. The contributions of six CPMP participants and future directions for the program are…

Randomly assigned 246 African American adolescents either to an educational program or to an 8-week intervention that combined education with behavior skills training. Results indicate that, compared with the education program, youth in behavioral skills training lowered their infection risk to a greater degree, maintained risk reduction changes…

Describes some common characteristics of homeless families and the additional needs and stresses created by being homeless with which children must successfully cope in order to succeed in school. Provides specific counseling intervention strategies to help schools become more responsive to the needs of this at-risk group of students. (LKS)

Factors that may hinder use of computers by speech/language/hearing clinicians in the schools are limited access, lack of training, worry over time constraints, and doubts regarding efficacy of computer activities. Clinicians should explore possible benefits of computer use such as tools for linguistic and phonological analysis, treatment data…

Discusses ways of reducing violence in America involving the integration of scientific approaches and youth violence intervention and community programs that address both family and social environments. The paper argues that these efforts exemplify the notion that violence is more a product of racism and poverty than of race. (GR)

Tested an innovative, computer-assisted educational approach to alcohol abuse prevention with college students and examined implications of the approach for middle school students. The intent of the intervention was to examine how students' early experiences with alcohol might influence their handling of dilemmas related to alcohol use in college.…

American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy guidelines for required and elective instructional content concerning substance abuse for pharmacy students is presented. Recommended required content includes psychosocial aspects of drug use; pharmacology and toxicology; identification, intervention, and treatment of addiction; and legal issues.…

Discusses a study of the inclusion of crisis intervention training in teacher preparation programs. Reports that, although few teachers receive training as part of coursework, most are expected to perform crisis intervention at some level. Presents findings showing self efficacy improves with short-term training that includes recognition and…

This literature review on neurocognitive functioning and learning of children with sickle cell disease found diffuse neurocognitive deficits, with much variability across subjects. Studies of psychosocial development of these children indicate that behavioral problems, low self-esteem, and body image disturbances are frequently characteristic.…

Describes objectives of the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health multisite intervention study which develops behavioral school health education plans. It targets third through fifth graders, stressing cardiovascular health behaviors (e.g., eating habits, physical activity, and smoking). Curricula, school environmental change, and…

Examines effects of the Persian Gulf War on elementary school and secondary school students and school responses through focus groups and interviews with school personnel, a survey of 97 students, and a discussion with 4 Chaldean-American middle school girls. Diverse attitudes required varying school responses. (SLD)

Proposes a model of an integrated, problem-solving approach for conducting assessments of children with academic skills problems in regular classroom settings. Presents a case study that illustrates the implementation of the model for a fourth grader with a learning disability. (GLR)