The authors examine the potential and the limitations of alternative schools for disruptive students by discussing positive features, such as small student-teacher ratio and enhancement of self-concept, and negative aspects, such as the tendency toward racial isolation and possible use as a tool for social control. (SK)

In studies of school behavior adjustment involving 39 antisocial and 41 at-risk middle school boys, extremely problematic behavior profiles were found among the antisocial subjects. Profiles were quite consistent and stable across the middle school years. Predictor variables of school success or failure included math achievement, school discipline…

Evaluates tutorial program and a combined tutorial and counseling program. Effects on achievement, self-esteem, and classroom behavior of middle school students (N=135) at risk of dropping out are examined. Discussion includes implications for counselors. "Outline for Training Tutors" and example plans for group-counseling sessions are appended.…

This practicum addressed the problems of low self-esteem levels of at-risk students in kindergarten and in grades three and five by implementing a peer facilitator program. The Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, the OUNCE Attitude Scale, and a Kindergarten Checklist of Low Self-Esteem Characteristics were used to determine the students'…

The purpose of the clinical and guidance services component of the Central Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title I Remedial Services for Eligible Nonpublic School Pupils Program was to enhance the behavior of children in relation to specific instructional skills areas. The component included students who were diagnosed as needing various…

This project evaluated the effectiveness of school safety interventions to improve student interpersonal relationships and academic achievement. The targeted population consisted of middle school students in a growing, middle class community located in central southeastern Iowa. The issues of school safety were documented by means of student and…

This study investigated the degree of agreement between adolescents' and parents' perceptions of the adolescent-parent relationship, and the links between these perceptions and adolescents' school achievement and personal autonomy. Questionnaires were completed by 353 adolescents attending an all-male, inner city, Catholic high school, and by…

This dissertation examines various characteristics of 79 Iowa public high schools reporting success or failure in the use of flexible modular scheduling (FMS), based on questionnaire responses. FMS schools were defined as having a daily schedule of more than 14 modules and using either variable class times, large group, small group, or independent…

Now is the time for an image change in small school education. Based on the 1981 Coleman Report, small school education overflows with advantages: low student-teacher ratio, opportunity to view each student in a holistic way, and the ability to control the behavior of the student body as a whole. (LC)

Using brain-based research, Douglass Elementary School in Boulder, Colorado, looked at the natural assets that both girls and boys bring to school and realized that its classrooms were generally a better fit for the verbal-emotive, sit-still, take-notes, listen-carefully, multitasking girl. Teachers tended to see the natural assets that boys bring…

This book discusses several types of parent-teacher conferences and issues relevant to parent-teacher conferences in 10 chapters. Chapter 1 outlines a working model for successful parent-teacher conferences. Research on parent attitudes and relationships with teachers is summarized in chapter 2. Chapter 3 discusses communication topics, including…

The study discussed in this report is intended to describe the operation of two of Dade County, Florida Public Schools programs to modify the behavior of its disruptive students, the Alternative School (excluding the COPE centers) program and the School Centers for Special Instruction. Additionally, data on the impact of the alternative school…

Comparison of 324 neglected children and adolescents and a matched nonmaltreated sample found that the neglected children had lower grades, more suspensions, more disciplinary referrals, and more grade repetitions, even when controlling for gender and socioeconomic status. Junior high appeared to be a particularly problematic time for neglected…

Parents whose children were experiencing behavioral problems at a southwestern U.S. elementary school were at a loss as to how to effectively manage their children's behavior both in and out of home. The effect of a lack of discipline transcended into the classroom which ultimately disrupted the learning environment. This practicum created a…

The purpose, procedures, analyses, and results are documented for seven information sources used by Austin (Texas) Independent School District in the Emergency School Aid Act (ESAA)/Districtwide Priorities--Systemwide Desegregation Evaluation, 1981-82. The information sources include: (1) Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, (2) Sequential Tests of…