Implementation of a Social Skills Curriculum to Reduce Behavioral Problems of African American Boys in Elementary Classroom Settings

Implementation of a Social Skills Curriculum to Reduce Behavioral Problems of African
American Boys in Elementary Classroom Settings. Foster, Evaline L., 2004: Applied
Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Fischler School ofEducation and Human
Services. Peer Support Groups/Anger Management/Conflict Resolution/Social
Skills/Bullying/Teacher Student Relationships

This applied dissertation was designed to reduce the disruptive verbal and physical
behaviors within the regular behavior enrichment classroom during the 2003-2004 school
year. From August 2002-May 2003, 18 home suspensions, 25 in-school suspensions, and
85 office referrals due to extremely disruptive verbal and physical behaviors were
recorded for students enrolled in the regular education behavior enrichment classroom.
The purpose of this applied dissertation was to modify the negative behaviors of students
into appropriate behaviors that would allow them to productively function academically,
socially, and emotionally in the regular education classroom setting.

The writer developed lesson plans and strategies to reduce the verbal and physical
behaviors of students within the regular behavior enrichment classroom. Strategies taught
included (a) facilitation of peer support groups and instruction, (b) modeling, (c)
reinforcement of conflict resolution skills, (d) self-management techniques, (e) anger
management techniques, and (f) social skills lessons. This applied dissertation also has
the potential to provide other educators with the strategies necessary to maintain positive
behaviors in the classroom.

An analysis of data revealed a decreased number of verbal and physical antisocial
behaviors in students. Through this implementation, students learned how to better
self-manage their behaviors and use conflict resolution skills to solve controversial issues
The presence of these factors helped to motivate students, improve behavior, increase
cognitive developments levels, and strengthen parent/teacher relationships.