Results indicated that, on the whole, social interactions among behaviorally disordered elementary Ss were both positive and reciprocial in nature. In addition, no discernible differences were noted between the target-initiated social behavior of high- and low-status students. Specific differences were found in peer social behavior directed toward…

The survey found, among other things, that--contrary to common practice--conduct-problem children were not ranked high. Rather, the hypersensitive, easily hurt child was considered most in need of services. (Author/DLS)

A discriminant analysis of characteristics of students with behavioral disorders in three progressively more intensive placements indicated that age at time of diagnosis was the strongest discriminating variable contributing to placement outcomes. Younger, brighter students tended to be mainstreamed, and older students with more externalizing…

This study compared 41 students with severe behavioral disorders (attending either day or residential programs) on language measures. No significant differences were found between groups; both groups showed receptive and expressive language deficits. However, teachers rated students in the day program higher on conversational skills. Also,…

Three children with autism from a self-contained elementary special education class participated in daily free-play sessions with 15 nondisabled peers, who were sequentially individually trained in appropriate interaction skills. Generalized interactions between students with autism and nontrained peers began in all three groups after the…

Resource and special class teachers of learning disabled (LD) and behaviorally disordered elementary and secondary students rated behaviorally disordered Ss as exhibiting more of five patterns of deviant behavior than LD Ss. Secondary Ss exhibited more rule breaking than elementary Ss; and special class Ss, more anxious, fearful behavior than…

This review of studies comparing children with behavioral disorders in different educational settings found that pupils in self-contained programs displayed greater improvement in academic achievement than did similar pupils in regular classes. However, the reverse pattern applied to changes in self-concept. Follow-up data indicated enormous…

This study compared perceptions of staff in self-contained programs and mainstreamed programs for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) in a district committed to inclusion, interagency coordination, and staff training. Well-established self-contained programs were perceived as superior to relatively new mainstream programs in…

Social comparison (i.e., an applied behavior analysis procedure) was used to evaluate a reading program with behaviorally disordered elementary school students. Behaviorally disordered students in a self contained special classroom were compared to average readers in a regular classroom on oral reading performance. (SEW)

This study found that behaviorally disordered adolescents (n=183) in six special schools perceived lower order and organization and higher teacher control than did normal students in traditional classes. Student satisfaction with school was related to greater levels of perceived involvement, affiliation, and teacher support for the special…

A study of the reintegration of 382 severely emotionally disturbed/behaviorally disordered students (preschool through secondary) into less restrictive programs revealed that the expected continuum of services (most to least restrictive) were reversed. The predominant placement was full integration, followed in descending order by resource and…

Diagnostic and treatment histories of 85 children and adolescents served in 2 exemplary school-based day-treatment programs in California were analyzed. Findings suggest a significant lag time between first symptoms, referral for services, and treatment; marked instability of psychiatric diagnoses over time; and lack of concordance between…

This study examined effects of a student-operated business curriculum on the on-task behavior of three students with behavioral disorders in a self-contained middle school class. Results indicated relationships between the student-operated business curriculum and increased time on task in mathematics and improved grades. (Author/PB)

Two groups of students with disabilities (n=14, ages 8-10) in self-contained classes participated in a teacher-directed peer confrontation system used in conjunction with a token economy system. Results showed that the system was effective in modifying inappropriate behavior and that students had positive reactions to the system. (Author/JDD)

A study examined effects of class-wide curricular modification on the engagement and behaviors of six students (ages 13-14) with emotional disturbances, in a self-contained science class. Modifications included providing opportunities for choice making and ensuring activities were of high interest, which resulted in increased engagement and…