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January 2005
At-Risk Kids and Early Intervention: A Recipe for
Better-Adjusted Adults |
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bookstore
A University of Washington study indicates that early
intervention programs can be very helpful, even for elementary
school children from tough neighborhoods. Training of parents
and teachers, as part of these programs, can help children grow
to be more productive and better-adjusted young adults.
Methods
Over 600 children from 18 Seattle public schools in high crime
neighborhoods were divided into three groups during this
longitudinal study.
One group received the intervention program during 1st through
4th grade, and again in 5th or 6th grade.
The second group received the program for at least one semester
of 5th or 6th grade.
The third group did not receive the program.
The intervention program included: impulse control, recognizing
other's feelings, and getting what you want without aggressive
behavior. Specialized classroom management and instruction
skills were taught to teachers. Parents received lessons in
family management, positive reinforcement, and how to monitor
their children. Children were tracked to age 21.
Results
Children from the first group, who received the full program,
did much better than the children from either of the other two
groups. The first group was more likely to graduate high school,
and attend at least some college. This group had higher levels
of employment, tended to stay at a job for a longer time, and
had better emotional and mental health.
J. David Hawkins, author of the study, stated that the results
demonstrate positive intervention at a young age can lead to
better outcomes in high-risk children.
Inquiries:
J. David Hawkins, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington,
United States.
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