The other side of the school report card

12 July 2010 |

Whatever the reservations of schools about the costs of programmes to improve their pupil’s well-being., new research shows boosting children’s social and emotional skills is key to improving their academic performance.

Dispelling the conventional wisdom—children can learn self-control

6 July 2010 |

Children can’t be taught to control themselves. That idea had been part of the conventional wisdom for so long that few thought to question it. But researchers at Florida State University decided to look at all the studies conducted looking at children’s impulsivity. They found that children might not be as out of control as previously thought.

Bullying – must it always be Olweus?

3 August 2010 |

If you need to reduce victimization in your school, maybe look no further than the prevention program originated in Norway by Dan Olweus. But if you want to improve the science behind the Olweus product, maybe consider some of the 18 other programs Cambridge University researchers have found work just as well.

Building better performance with Dan and Clay

26 April 2010 |

From Florida come latest efforts to find a combination of reliable "social competency" programs, sound business management and long-term cost benefit to address young people's needs in straitened times.

Maybe we should get out there and sell something!

19 March 2010 |

Assembling registries of effective programs is about as much use as car manufacturers relying on published lists of roadworthy models to keep the industry in business, public health researchers tell a US program implementation conference. Too passive, they claim, and potential buyers don’t use them.

Does doing it online mean doing it faithfully?

4 March 2010 |

For "fidelity" and "scalability" read off-the-peg internet delivery – but online drug and alcohol prevention programs work, say researchers in New South Wales, Australia.