This indispensable book presents evidence-based tools and strategies for improving the social skills of all members of the inclusive classroom (K-6), especially students experiencing difficulties in this area. The authors explain why social competence is critical to school success and describe interventions, curricula, and instructional approaches that have been shown to be effective at the schoolwide, classroom, and individual levels. Procedures for conducting assessments and developing individualized intervention plans are detailed. Reproducible forms can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size. Subject Areas/Keywords: assessments, autism spectrum disorders, children, curricula, developmental, disabilities, disorders, friendship, inclusive classrooms, instructional approaches, interventions, peer rejection, peers, programs, relationships, social competence, social skills training, special education, teaching Audience: Special educators and classroom teachers in grades K-6; school psychologists; clinical psychologists and other practitioners who work with children with social disabilities.

Machine generated contents note: 1. The Importance of Social Skills -- 2. The Wide and Varied Definitions of Social Competence -- 3. Schoolwide Approaches to Social Skills Development, with Catherine R. Lark -- 4. Classroom Approaches to Social Skills Development -- 5. Capitalizing on the Power of Peers -- 6. Assessment of Individual Skills and Progress, with Jennifer L. Schroeder -- 7. Developing and Implementing Individual Intervention Plans.