School dropout is a complex social problem. In 1999, more boys (15 %) than girls (9 %) dropped out of Canadian schools prior to graduation (Bowlby and McMullen, 2002). In the United States, Kaufman et al. (2000) evaluated that 5 % more boys than girls dropped out of school. This literature review focuses on the place given to gender within studies…

The Adolescent Attitude Survey (AAS) was developed and administered to 214 sixth and eighth graders, 79 from the Chicago (Illinois) Public Schools and 135 from a Chicago magnet school where subjects were more academically oriented and homogeneous. The instrument assessed the subjects' self-image, demographic variables, and factors associated with…

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) requires Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) to establish Youth Councils as a sub-group focused on low-income youth at risk, ages 14-21, who face barriers to school completion. Youth Councils present an opportunity to develop a comprehensive employment and training system. The WIA's vision of a…

More American adolescent girls today are prey to depression, eating disorders, addictions, and suicide attempts than ever before. This book is an exploration of the underlying causes of this disturbing phenomena, structured around therapy case studies of various teenage girls. The position is taken that despite the women's movement, adolescent…

Many school systems have started to go beyond programs focused on suicide prevention or drug abuse to encompass all types of school crises. School districts and individual schools across tha nation are formulating crisis management plans and in some states they have become mandatory. Basic procedures drawn from plans adopted by schools include the…

This article identifies and analyzes specific environmental, psychosocial, and economic factors adversely affecting childrens' well-being. Contemporary outcomes, including adolescent homicide and suicide, substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, developmental exceptionalities, and other health hazards, are considered. Adolescent pregnancy,…

We are delighted to welcome you to the International Psychological Applications Conference and Trends (InPACT) 2016, taking place in Lisbon, Portugal, from 30 of April to 2 of May, 2016. Psychology, nowadays, offers a large range of scientific fields where it can be applied. The goal of understanding individuals and groups (mental functions and…

Determining whether one's child is just "going through a phase," is just a bit quirky but developing normally, or is in need of professional help can be a complex and confusing process for parents. This book provides parents and caregivers with practical information to differentiate normal and problematic child development, offers tips…

Among the behavior management challenges in schools today is the question of how to deal with substance abuse among youth. Facts about student alcohol and drug use are provided in this handbook. Watching for school and home related behavioral indicators of drug use is an immediate concern for schools. Drug use follows a six-stage continuum: no…

This document is the quadrennial report of the Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MRDD) Branch to the National Advisory Child Health and Human Development (NACHHD) Council. The MRDD Branch is a vital, evolving entity within the Center for Developmental Biology and Perinatal Medicine (CDBPM) at the National Institute of Child …

This chapter reviews school-based drug abuse prevention curricula. Drawing on the most current research, the chapter identifies key elements of effective prevention curricula, noting that programs should (1) reflect proven prevention theory and research; (2) provide developmentally appropriate information about tobacco, alcohol and drugs; (3) use…

This chapter moves toward defining high-risk youth as young persons with low probabilities of gaining an education, getting a job, parenting effectively, or being able to participate in the political process. Five snapshots are presented of the latest information on the prevalence of the five categorical behaviors of interest: (1) substance abuse,…

This training program participants' manual is designed to assist K-12 school counselors, nurses, and psychologists in offering aid to youths at risk for substance abuse. The training objectives for participants in the workshop are to be able to demonstrate: (1) competence in knowledge of basic substance abuse information to include age-appropriate…

This training program instructor's manual is designed to assist K-12 school counselors, nurses, and psychologists in offering aid to youths at risk for substance abuse. The training objectives for participants in the workshop are to be able to demonstrate: (1) competence in knowledge of basic substance abuse information to include age-appropriate…

This document presents materials and guidelines for evaluating Colorado high school students' attainment of the eight state standards for consumer and family studies that pertain to teen challenges and choices. The materials presented are designed to promote and evaluate students' mastery of the following competencies: (1) examine and demonstrate…