Self-determination refers to a person's ability to have control of their life choices, decisions, and interactions with others. Self-determination skills include: 1) decision-making, 2) goal setting, 3) self-awareness, 4) problem-solving, 5) self-advocacy, 6) self-monitoring, and 7) self-efficacy. Researchers suggest that youth with or at-risk for…

This article focuses on life career perspectives within the field of counseling psychology. The first goal is to promote reflection and discussion of counseling psychologists' planning and decision making as it pertains to their career journey; the second goal is to promote additional discussion around implicit and explicit cultural perspectives…

ADAPT (Advancing Decision Making and Problem Solving for Teens) is a small-group intervention for middle and high school students who are at risk for substance use, aggression, truancy, poor school performance, and depressive moods. The ADAPT program's 12 sessions teach fundamental skills such as: (1) Effective problem solving; (2) Decision…

Growing evidence suggests that self-determination is a significant factor in improving educational and transition outcomes in students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This volume reviews the breadth of available methods for teaching components of self-determination--including choice making, problem solving, decision making, goal…

This paper presents an experimental group model developed for counseling mentally retarded couples. The selection of the group counseling format is explained, group composition and eligibility requirements are described, and initial assessment of individuals and couples is presented. Preliminary sessions, geared toward orienting the couple to the…

The Van Buren Intermediate School District in Michigan has developed a comprehensive guidance program that has been adopted by a number of school districts in the state. The Van Buren model is designed to teach all youth and adults the career development skills of information gathering, decision making, planning, and placement. This document…

This book is a developmental and sequential program of activities designed for grades K-8 to: (1) build a base of awareness, understanding, and skills required for conflict prevention and resolution; (2) give students practice using a variety of strategies for managing and resolving conflict; (3) create opportunities for students to apply those…

This framework for methodological issues in risk assessment in child protective service work addresses standards for determination of risk; types of data collected; sources of information; types of possible errors; incremental validity issues; cultural context of decision making; assessment of problem origins; selection of outcome goals and…

This paper presents information and strategies designed to enable teachers and counselors to understand, practice, and utilize the group process known as open classroom meetings. It considers the types of classroom meetings that can be utilized, such as social problem solving meetings, open-ended meetings, and educational diagnostic meetings. The…

The Doorways training program was designed by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Safe Schools Program (Safe Schools) to enable teachers, community members and students to prevent and respond to school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV). Doorways II was designed for community counselors to prevent and respond to…

This book provides a sequential program to explore and develop communication skills about their own feelings and behaviors. Designed for use in grades 3-8, activities can be adapted to fit specific needs and audiences. The book is divided into two parts. Part 1, "Introduction," includes: (1) "Important Feelings Concepts"; (2) "Where do Feelings…

This manual provides a framework for formulating a game plan for retention of students in vocational training. The information is based on possible conflicts the students may encounter that would hinder the completion of vocational programs. The conflicts are categorized into personal conflicts, school-related conflicts, and other situations.…

This volume of the journal for the California Association of School Psychologists provides current information on a broad array of topics related to the work of school psychologists. The articles contribute important information on contemporary issues in the field, such as using a strength-based perspective when assessing students, student support…

This semester-long curriculum is designed to increase the self-esteem, leadership skills, and communication, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities of eighth and ninth grade students who are at risk of dropping out of school. The manual offers procedural suggestions for organizing a Going Places class. Individual sections address…