Resources for Finding Effective Programs

What Works: Five Promising Discipline and Violence Prevention Programs

This brief report by the American Federation of Teachers offers easy to use descriptions of five effective programs for preventing antisocial behavior. Each starts with a chart of targeted grades, materials, instructional support, roles for paraprofessionals, costs, and results. Details are covered in program summaries and a case study adds depth to the description. The programs included range from bullying prevention to social problem-solving strategies.

Safe and Sound: An Education Leader's Guide to Evidence-Based Social and Emotional Learning Programs

This is the most complete guide available on multi-year social skills programs for students in general education classrooms. Developed by CASEL (the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning), it provides a review of the research on the benefits of social skills training, guidelines for program selection and implementation, and descriptions of 80 programs. This is a great resource for checking up on all those programs you've heard of, but don't know much about. Or to save time, you can go directly to the 22 most effective programs, which are designated "CASEL Select." The guide is online at www.casel.org/safeandsound.htm.

Safe, Supportive, and Successful Schools: Step by Step

This comprehensive guide by David Osher, Kevin Dwyer, and Stephanie Jackson, three nationally recognized experts in preventing antisocial behavior, walks educators through the process of planning for, funding, and implementing interventions. It also briefly describes 28 programs that range from schoolwide social skills training to individualized, family-focused therapy. The guide is available from Sopris West for $49; order online at www.sopriswest.com/swstore/product.asp?sku=872.

Antisocial Behavior in School: Evidence-Based Practices

This new book by Hill Walker, Elizabeth Ramsey, and Frank Gresham is the basis for this article; it provides a thorough examination of what research shows schools can do to improve children's behavior. From December 2003 through April 2004, the price for AFT members is $57.75 (a $20 discount). Order by calling 800-842-3636; give promotional code AFT0304 and the ISBN 0-534-25884-0.

The Acting-Out Child: Coping With Classroom Disruption

This well-respected work by Hill Walker was originally published in 1995, but it is still an excellent resource for better understanding antisocial behavior and the research behind the intervention techniques described in this article. In addition, it addresses the appropriate use of alternative education settings, as well as when and how to bring children from alternate settings back into the regular classroom. Copies are available from www.amazon.com starting at $8 for used books and $22 for new books.

Related Articles

Heading Off Disruptive Behavior
How Early Intervention Can Reduce Defiant Behavior—and Win Back Teaching Time
By Hill M. Walker, Elizabeth Ramsey, and Frank M. Gresham

Prevention Begins with Screening

Good Behavior Needs to Be Taught
How a Social Skills Curriculum Works

Dealing with Jimmy the "Terror"—How an Intensive Intervention Works

Resources for Finding Effective Programs

How Disruptive Students Escalate Hostility and Disorder—and How Teachers Can Avoid It
By Hill M. Walker, Elizabeth Ramsey, and Frank M. Gresham