When to conduct a functional behavioral assessment (FBA) is a question answered by both best practice and the law. The special education field continues to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the functional behavioral assessment, an evidence-based technology that is the basis of a behavior intervention plan (BIP) and a cornerstone of the…

The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of public school principals within the Commonwealth of Virginia as to their desirability for professional development in leading special education programs within their schools. Given a list of 18 competencies related to leading special education principals rated their desirability for…

This book brings together for the first time research informing leadership practice in special education from preschool through transition into post-secondary settings. It provides comprehensive coverage of 1) disability policy 2) leadership knowledge, 3) school reform, and 4) effective educational leadership practices. Broader in scope than…

One way of monitoring the effects of ethical and legal issues concerning severely handicapped students is establishing an additional level of review in the public schools. The Human Rights Committee (HRC) in one district, composed of multidisciplinary professional and community staff, has reviewed 56 individual behavior management programs…

The manual provides an overview of issues associated with policies and practices in behavior management techniques. Legal, ethical, and programmatic issues are addressed in the first chapter which reviews pertinent court cases and focuses on the implications of punishment for behavior change. Section 2 contains suggestions for developing,…

Litigation and the issues surrounding the use of behavioral procedures to handicapped persons are reviewed. Attention is directed to the use of aversive techniques, e.g., corporal punishment, electric shock, timeout, and restraint. (SEW)

The author explores the growing litigation over student rights in disciplinary cases, noting that the teacher's freedom to use punishment and behavior modification is being restricted. He presents teachers with some guidelines on classroom management and control in light of these court rulings. (SJL)

Twelve years have elapsed since Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA), was passed by Congress. This paper accordingly reviews the far-reaching effects of EAHCA on the educational enterprise, focusing on the legal, administrative, and instructional challenges of disciplining handicapped students in a…

The literature review addresses the assessment, placement, treatment, and employment rights of the handicapped in relation to their implications for teachers, administrators, and university personnel. Assessment is considered in terms of eligibility criteria/definitions of handicapping conditions, responsibility for assessment, fair and…

This volume of "Behavior Psychology in the Schools," discusses key topics in behavioral consultations in public school settings. Following an introduction, articles include: (1) "Focus, Scope, and Practice of Behavioral Consultation to Public Schools" (James K. Luiselli), which describes a four-stage process of consultation and…