Social Skills Group 9 th Grade Boys with Attention Disorders Ann Vrabel, RN, BSN Multnomah Education Service District

Project Implementation: School Characteristics Suburban Public High School, Grades Students 80% Caucasian, 12% Latino, 8% Other Minorities 30% Free Lunch Eligible

Need Determination Large number of 8 th graders in feeder schools on daily medications Few requests for high school medication administration or follow up Where are these missing kids? How well do they transition and self manage? Curiosity and personal interest

School Receptiveness “Medical” Arena School Counselors School Administrators Teachers Students and Parents Response

Recruitment of Members Search of school records Feedback from middle school teachers, counselors, nurses Student questionnaire Individual interviews

Findings 15 of 21 students interviewed currently on medication School numbers similar to literature reports: 9:1 male to female ratio Strong level of interest in participation Limited understanding of diagnosis and implications

Parent Consent Mailing: Parent Survey Student Progress Report Permission Form Telephone Follow Up

Plan for Measurement of Outcomes Pre & Post Conners-Wells Self Report (1997) (ADHD, Hyperactivity, Inattention, Conduct) Statistical analysis School Progress Reports, Report Cards Teacher & parent input Behavioral/ Discipline Referrals

Group Format 8 boys, all 9 th graders 1 hour per week for 10 weeks Rotating group times Started after 1 st Report Cards

Group Activities Snacks Manipulatives: e.g. Stressballs, Koosh* Balls, Silly Putty* Problem Solver Game Communicator Game Skill Streaming Activities

Student Evaluation Fun and Supportive Break in Routine Camaraderie Increased understanding

Staff and Parent Evaluations Increased social maturity Improved self-responsibility Improved coping abilities Positive impact on school success

Lessons Learned Personal & professional satisfaction Value of co-facilitation Need for structure & flexibility Need for school & professional consultation & collaboration

Positive Outcomes Medication compliance Connectedness, normalcy New skills- coping, strategies Improved understanding: ongoing implications

Recommendations Tap into the School Nurse Energizing, Fun Group of Kids Go For It!