THE EFFECTS OF A SPORTSMANSHIP CURRICULUM INTERVENTION ON GENERALIZEDPOSITIVE SOCIAL-BEHAVIOR OF URBAN ELEMENTARY-SCHOOL STUDENTS

This study evaluated the effects of an elementary physical education c urriculum in which development of positive social skills, including le adership and conflict-resolution behaviors, was the primary focus. A s econd goal was to determine possible generalization effects beyond the primary intervention setting. Students in two urban elementary physic al education classes served as subjects, with a third class used as a comparison. The effects of the curriculum intervention were evaluated in the training setting and in the students' regular education classro oms using a multiple baseline across classrooms design. Results showed (a) an immediate increase in student leadership and independent confl ict-resolution behaviors, (b) an increase in percentage of class rime devoted to activity participation, and (c) decreases in the frequency of student off-task behavior and percentage of class time that student s devoted to organizational tasks. Similar changes in student behavior were also observed in the regular classroom settings.