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Contact: Anne Leedom 916-939-8246
Email: anne@parentingbookmark.com



STUDY SHOWS SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN STUDENT
AGGRESSION AND INCREASE IN PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOR

Book Offers Proven Ways to Improve Behavior and Build Character


PALM SPRINGS, CA - A recent Gallup Poll found the major concern of parents is the growing rise of aggressive behavior in youth, and such worries are warranted. Youth gang activity in the schools and community is up 50 percent from 1989 to 1995, the rate among small town and rural homicides by youth has increased by 38 percent, and juvenile arrests for weapon possession, assault, robbery and murder rose more than 50 percent from 1987 to 1996. Statistics also reveal a troubling decline in our students’ emotional health: teenage depression has risen 1000 percent in 30 years, and youth suicides have tripled since 1950.

Dr. Michele Borba, an educational consultant, author of Parents Do Make A Difference, and recipient of the National Educator Award, believes that aggression is learned, and can be unlearned by teaching new skills. “One of the biggest reasons aggression is increasing” says Borba, “is that today’s children haven’t learned many of the critical skills that help them cope successfully with life. Instead, they are saturated with violent and anti-social messages, and at the same time are robbed of quality time spent with nurturing adults who could be teaching and modeling these critical skills.” While most experts are telling us there is a problem, Borba is providing proven solutions to help today’s kids lead more successful and emotionally-healthy lives.

In 1995 Borba began an intensive study in three elementary schools to determine what educators can do to reduce student aggression and improve behavior. The study sites--Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis; Hays, Kansas; and Surrey, British Columbia--represented a broad spectrum of students’ ethnic, racial, socioeconomic and academic abilities. In all, 1040 students from kindergarten through sixth grade received lessons from teachers three times weekly addressing life skills such as self-control, problem solving, getting along, active listening, understanding feelings, and empathy. The activities were culled from Dr. Borba’s widely-used curriculum, ESTEEM BUILDERS (Jalmar Press, 1989). Students’ behavior figures were gathered prior to program implementation and then compared to findings one year later. Data was then analyzed by the Statistical Consulting Department at Wright State University.

Results of the year-long study show significant improvement in students’ behavior at all three schools. Verbal aggression (bullying, swearing, threats, insubordination) was reduced by 39 percent and physical aggression (hitting and fighting) decreased by 41 percent. Student detentions for defiance of school rules was also reduced by 46 percent. In addition, 89 percent or more of all teachers found students more respectful, tolerant, caring, courteous, and cooperative as well as more proficient in solving problems due to the lessons. Further results on standarized measures identified a noticeable increase in 11 learner behaviors including: undertaking new tasks, decision-making, self-direction, asking questions, and dealing with failures. Perhaps the most essential finding is recognizing we can have a positive impact on our children’s behavior--which may be the best news we’ve heard in a while.

Timely New Book Offers Proven Ways to Improve Behavior
About the book. Now parents and teachers can teach children the same skills found to significantly reduce aggression and increase prosocial behavior in the year-long study. Dr. Michele Borba’s latest book, Parents Do Make A Difference: How to Raise Kids with Solid Character, Strong Minds and Caring Hearts, (Jossey-Bass Publishers, June 1999) outlines a step-by-step approach to improve children’s self-esteem and behavior and nurture the traits of solid character. Filled with clear advice, practical insights, real-life examples and encouraging stories culled from the author’s 20 years of program development in schools, every activity was then field-tested with 1040 students to ensure proven effectiveness. Parents Do Make A Difference contributes the essential information parents and educators have needed to instill in our children the skills needed to live more successful, decent and happy lives.

PARENTS DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
How to Raise Kids With Solid Character, Strong Minds and Caring Hearts
by Michele Borba
Jossey-Bass Publishers: June 1999
Price: $18.00 Paperback original
246 pages, ISBN #0-7879-4605-2
www.micheleborba.com
www.parentingbookmark.com.

Jossey-Bass is a division of Simon & Schuster, the world’s largest English-language book publisher. Simon & Schuster is the publishing operation of Viacom Inc., a global leader in publishing and entertainment.