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The behavior of students in an 8th grade class was interfering with interpersonal relationships, disrupting the classroom environment, and adversely affecting student academic performance. A lack of social skills was identified as the probable cause which was brought on by the family environment, a lack of parent participation, and economic problems. This paper describes interventions of direct instruction of social skills, integration of cooperative learning, and an assertive discipline plan to help with the behaviors. Following the interventions, many students showed a positive change in behavior. It was determined that cooperative learning techniques aided in the instruction of social skill lessons. The paper recommends that direct instruction of social skills be implemented as a regular part of middle school curriculum. The paper includes Appendix A, "Parent Letter," Appendix B, "Teacher Observation Checklist," Appendix C, "Expected Classroom Behaviors," Appendix D, "Student Survey," and Appendix E, "Teacher Survey." (Contains 21 references.) (JDM)