The First Step to Success program was implemented with 22 kindergartners who showed early signs of developing antisocial behaviors, and it was completed by 16 of the children. All 16 children showed significantly increased levels of academic engaged time after completing the program, with follow-up levels generally maintained at acceptable levels. Overall behavioral improvement, as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), was significant but variable. The improvement shown on the CBCL by the first cohort of 6 students failed to maintain to the 1-year follow up. Teacher and parent perceptions of effectiveness were generally positive with several exceptions. The authors discuss evidence pointing to possible factors that influenced the program's effectiveness.

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This article reports the results of a study to determine what mothers of children with disabilities considered important social goals and valid measures of success for their children concerning friendship development. Three focus groups were convened, consisting of 11 mothers of elementary-age students with various disabilities. A thematic analysis suggested 9 peer-specific friendship goals for children with disabilities and 3 broader goals to which friendship was perceived to contribute. Assessment of outcomes would be expected to include indicators of both types of goals, and specific indicators were suggested along the dimensions of (a) quantity and breadth of contacts, (b) affect or quality of relationships, (c) duration and stability of relationships, (d) level of independence of action, (e) consistency with parental expectations, and (f) contribution to overall adjustment. Implications of this research are discussed for teachers, administrators, program and curriculum developers, and researchers. The authors conclude that efforts to affect the peer relationships of children with disabilities in meaningful ways should consider the impact relative to these parental goals and should be based upon indicators that parents consider relevant and credible.