This study presents functional assessment data from two second-grade students with behavior and academic problems. Functional assessment procedures included interview, observation, functional analysis, and intervention. Functional analysis conditions, conducted by the classroom teacher, with coaching from the researcher, indicated multiple…

This digest describes the challenges of social skills instruction and provides three strategies for improving the social competence of all students, including children with disabilities. It begins by emphasizing the importance of teaching individual social skills within the context of establishing a school-wide culture of social competence. To…

This paper discusses how educators can apply positive behavioral support (PBS) to students with and without disabilities and conduct functional behavioral assessments (FBAs). It begins by describing the challenges that educators face in educating an increasingly heterogeneous population of students, including students with external and internal…

Principals and teachers have long thought that student tardiness was a serious problem. In one study from the 1990s, 8-12% of students were absent each day, and more than 40% of teachers found tardiness to be a significant problem. In fact, it is considered so serious that a school's response can go to extremes. The question, of course, is not…

Managing student behavior can be one of the greatest concerns and a laborious enterprise for prospective teachers in urban schools. Urban teachers must respond to the needs of their students by creating culturally responsive classrooms that spotlight a variety of instructional practices, methodologies, and behavioral interventions in an effort to…

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an instructional adaptation (reduction of task duration) on off-task behavior in a general education classroom. The intervention was chosen following a functional behavioral assessment, which suggested that much of the off-task behavior was escape-maintained, and a curriculum-based assessment,…

Children with complex disabilities such as autism spectrum disorders and Landau Kleffner syndrome often lack means to participate in everyday family routines. Serious problem behaviors may result from their challenges in responding to and initiating communicative interactions. These behaviors can change routine family activities such that the…

This article describes how moving away from traditional behavior management techniques and using Positive Behavioral Support (PBS) can be useful in obtaining desired behaviors from children with autism. PBS is used widely by special education teachers and has tremendous implications for physical education. Positive Behavioral Support (PBS) is a…

Overrepresentation of African American boys in disciplinary and special education referrals has been a national concern. This study used functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) and behavioral intervention plans (BIPs) as a means to prevent disproportionality of African American boys. Based on FBA results, interventions were developed for four…

This Digest discusses provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that require functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) and behavioral intervention plans (BIPs) to be conducted prior to a change in placement or suspension for more than 10 days, based on inappropriate behaviors for students with disabilities. It presents…

This guidebook is designed to assist Colorado school and agency professionals in the identification of students with emotional disabilities and in the development and implementation of services for such students with emotional disabilities. Following an introductory chapter, chapter 2 discusses federal and state law governing the identification…

This manual, developed to assist Missouri school personnel in the provision of educational opportunities for students with traumatic brain injury (TBI), answers commonly asked questions about the educational needs of these students, and gives practical applications of educational practices and programming. Three case studies are introduced to help…

This book discusses characteristics of individuals with Asperger syndrome that affect behavior, and presents strategies for preventing behavioral problems. Chapter 1, "An Overview of the Characteristics of Asperger Syndrome that May Impact Behavior," discusses specific characteristics that affect cognition, language, socialization, sensory…

Freddy, a student diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder served for part of the school day in special education, was having difficulty staying on task. Teachers reported that Freddy was continuously getting up out of his seat, bothering classmates, and making verbal comments or requests without raising his hand. Observations were…

The "Intensive Early Intervention Program for Children with Autism" (IEIP) is a program funded by the province of Ontario. It is used to teach/treat young children who have been formally identified as having an autistic spectrum disorder. Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) services are provided to these children, aged 2 to 5 years,…