Compared longitudinally were effects of biological risk and social influences on the physical, psychomotoric, cognitive-linguistic, disability, adjustment, and academic domains of 1,008 children at eight stages between 3 and 6 1/2 years of age. Over 20 tests such as physical measurements and the Preschool Attainment Record (PAR) were used. Some of…

Emanuel M. Berger's scale for testing the expressed acceptance of others is based on statements describing behavior, particularly verbal communicative behavior, of others, in a study of 561 subjects, Berger's scale evidenced need of modification in explaining small group interaction and especially the differing attitudinal responses of males' and…

THE LA GRANGE AREA DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVES 16 SCHOOL DISTRICTS. POLICIES OF THE DEPARTMENT ARE LISTED. FUNCTIONS OF THE DIRECTOR, SECRETARY, AND COORDINATOR-SUPERVISOR ARE DETAILED. QUALIFICATION FOR ADMISSION TO SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSES, GOALS OF THESE CLASSES, AND INFORMATION ABOUT EXISTING CLASSES ARE PRESENTED FOR…

The nature of some of the relationships and interactions between black youth and mental health professionals are explored by this paper. It is organized into the following four discussions: (1) a portrait of black youth, given as background information; (2) specific portions of deviance theory as it relates to black youth; (3) black youth as…

Based on McLoyd's (1990) model of African American children's development, this study examined the linkages between poverty, maternal psychological distress, marital conflict, the home environment, and children's outcomes among a sample of 805 African American 4- to 9-year-olds whose families were interviewed in 1992 as part of the National…

This action research project implemented a program for improving social skills in order to establish positive interaction among 4th grade students at a northern Chicago suburban school. Social skills deficiency was documented through behavior checklists and referrals, teacher observations and student reflection. Teachers reported that low incomes,…

This study examined the degree to which parent behavior and sibling behavior are differentially related to adolescent adjustment. Using reports from adolescent sibling pairs (41 seventh graders and an older sibling), this study was designed to examine the degree to which parent and sibling behavior (i.e., warm/supportive and hostile) uniquely, and…

The role of British Columbia's rehabilitation programs for socially maladjusted and disturbed youth is described, and attention is directed to provincial policies, factors related to successful outcomes, and program evaluation needs and results. (SEW)

Compared children retained in kindergarten with matched samples of age and grade mates, using teacher ratings as an index of their social and academic skills. Found that retained children showed a reduction in behavior problems, specifically acting-out and shy-anxious behaviors, but only slightly increased competence for task orientation across…

A study examined four features of African-American college students' social adjustment to predominantly White campuses: sense of underrepresentedness; direct perceptions of racism; hurdle of approaching faculty; and effects of faculty familiarity. The model described African-Americans' experiences in adjusting to institutional climate and relating…

Documents the social and educational aspirations of a growing number of Russian youth. While the children of the former Soviet intelligentsia continue to view education as a prerequisite for success, many young people are willing to leave school for early work experience. Summarizes several surveys concerning social attitudes. (MJP)

Studied adolescent participants in a group intervention program to determine the influence of peer reactions to problem behavior. Found that the impact of friendship is not always positive and can lead to unintended iatrogenic consequences. Concludes that adults' role in attending to children's peer contexts is perhaps the most critical for…

Reviews historical events that molded the field of learning disabilities (LDs); addresses issues related to the prevalence of LDs and advances in identification, classification, and intervention practices directed at children with LDs. While focus is placed on deficits in basic reading and early intervention, other academic, social, and behavioral…

Uses students' autobiographical narratives to refine current understanding of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students' educational and cultural adjustment to high school. Results from 40 former ESL high school students indicate a boom-and-bust pattern of cultural and educational adjustment common to both successful and unsuccessful ESL…

Unsupervised after-school peer contact was examined as a risk factor in developing externalizing problems among early adolescents. Longitudinal findings showed that unsupervised peer contact, lack of neighborhood safety, and low monitoring incrementally predicted grade seven externalizing problems, after controlling for family background factors…