Discusses some difficulties that may be anticipated in facilitating teachers' use of functional-assessment procedures. Strategies are suggested for promoting acceptance of the functional-assessment process and for providing training and technical assistance to support its appropriate implementation. (CR)

Examined stability of young children's behavior problems and effectiveness of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy in 32 families. Found no significant differences between waitlist-control and treatment groups at time of referral on Child Behavior Checklist, Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory, and Parenting Stress Index. Behavior of treatment group…

Discusses factors associated with violent behavior in young children and strategies for addressing those factors, including using the "Turtle Technique" for practicing withdrawal and problem-solving, using social-learning curricula, using success-oriented instructional strategies for teaching academics, listing and practicing alternative…

This article describes the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale (BERS), a measure designed to identify the emotional and behavioral strengths of children and adolescents. The 52-item BERS assesses five areas: interpersonal strength, family involvement, intrapersonal strength, school functioning, and affective strength. A case study of a…

This introductory column on books and software concerned with special education technology presents an article by JuHye Yook on the software design process. It discusses the rationale for developing new software for students with reading disabilities, the design and development process, and analysis of the software design. Software use by two…

This article reviews teaching strategies expected to be effective in alternative education programs for students at risk for school failure, dropout, and delinquency. The need for alternative education programs for students in both special and general education is discussed, along with recommended alternative education strategies and program…

This article reviews the characteristics of children who exhibit a behavior pattern characterized by hyperactivity-impulsivity-inattention coupled with conduct problems such as fighting, stealing, truancy, noncompliance, and arguing. Procedures for early identification of these so-called "fledgling psychopaths" are described and discussed.…

This article reviews the functional assessment paradigm in relation to students with serious emotional and behavioral disorders who have well developed cognitive abilities and linguistic skills. Based on the needs of these students, the Assessment Intervention Process, a system for facilitating the development of effective positive behavior plans…

A five-year longitudinal study compared postschool outcomes for 1985 and 1990 graduates with behavior disorders and their peers. Employment rates for graduates with behavior disorders were lower at two of the 10 data collection points, engagement rates were lower at six points, and rates of postsecondary degree attainment were lower. (Author/CR)

This response to "Behavior Disorders: A Postmodern Perspective" (Elkind) suggests that the field must increase dependence on scientific data and theories to guide educational policies and research and assume responsibility for the impact of decisions on the lives of students and families. The perils of assuming a postmodern perspective are…

A study investigated the motivational characteristics of 36 adolescents with learning disabilities (LD), 26 students with emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD), and 53 typical students. Students with LD appeared more alienated and oriented to avoiding work, whereas students with EBD reported significantly more feelings of test anxiety. Gender…

Examines issues involved in collecting observational data and conducting a functional analysis of student problem behavior directly in the elementary classroom. Two cases of children with behavior disorders in special classes illustrate the active role that teachers can take in data collection and decision making prior to program changes.…

This article provides an overview of strength-based assessment of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders and discusses the development and psychometric characteristics of the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale (BERS). The BERS is a norm-referenced, standardized test that assesses the strengths of children and…

This study examined the prevalence and severity of self-injurious behavior (SIB) in 29 children and adults with Smith-Magenis syndrome, a genetic disorder usually involving moderate mental retardation. Findings confirmed the near universal presence of SIB in this population. The overall prevalence of SIB increased with age. Number of types of SIB…

This article reviews the social skills training knowledge base and describes social skills training considerations for children who are at-risk and/or display antisocial behavior at three grade levels: preschool and elementary, middle schools, and high school. Characteristics of students, composition of model social skills interventions, and…