This paper examines several major problems confronting special education for students with emotional and behavioral disorders; identifies successful practices and programs; explores factors that contribute to continuation of inadequate practices; and presents recommendations for improving educational practice, policy, research, and professional…

Examined diagnostic efficiency of symptoms for experimentally diagnosed oppositional defiant disorder (OD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 102 elementary-age boys. Findings from teacher ratings revealed that, on average, ADHD symptoms were as useful as OD symptoms as exclusion criteria for OD, whereas OD symptoms were nearly…

This paper examines the increased risk for substance abuse faced by students with emotional disturbances, behavior disorders, and learning disabilities. The paper discusses approaches to substance abuse prevention in regular education, application of such programs for special populations, and suggestions for expanding programs to address specific…

A man with mental retardation, in detention for five years because of sex offenses with preadolescent boys, was not only diagnosed as having Klinefelter syndrome when a social worker read suspected the possibility and arranged for a chromosome test. The importance of a complete medical work-up is emphasized in such cases. (JDD)

The elementary version of the Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders measure was modified for use with an urban preschool Head Start population (n=90). A preschool adaptation of this measure could allow significantly earlier identification of children with potential severe behavior disorders. Approximately 5% of the children were identified…

The article suggests 12 mindsets to decrease stress in teachers of students with behavior disorders and to build a functional philosophy of education. Adoption of positive mindsets are seen to enhance instruction and facilitate positive feelings of hope, self-efficacy, and progress. Sample mindsets include flexible thinking, maintaining academic…

Estimated the prevalence of cognitive impairment and disruptive behaviors among functionally disabled persons living in the community using data from the 1984 National Long-Term Care Survey. Assessed relationship between cognitive impairment, disruptive behaviors, and functional limitations. Found number of eligible persons varied greatly under…

Students with behavioral disorders (grades 4-9), regular education students, teachers, and parents (total n=383) completed the Adolescent Social Skills Survey. Students with behavioral disorders rated all items lower in importance than other groups, rated interpersonal skills higher than other skills on the survey, and rated compliance and…

Red Light-Green Light is a levels system providing immediate behavior modification feedback and varying privilege levels throughout the school day for primary students with behavior disorders. This article presents guidelines for implementation, covering development of classroom rules, classroom expectations, and system maintenance. Tips for…

Application of cluster analysis to 57 elementary grade children with learning disabilities resulted in identification of 5 subgroups: (1) children with language deficits; (2) children with visual deficits; (3) children with no notable deficits; (4) children with very poor reading achievement but very high self-concept; (5) children with behavior…

The unintentional and unrecognized use of aversive stimuli that increase student escape and avoidance responses may contribute to educational problems of students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Sources of aversive stimuli present in many classrooms include interactions between students and teachers, academic activities offered, and…

Examines unnecessary hospitalization and inadequacy of community services for children and adolescents with serious emotional or behavioral disorders. Discusses barriers that impede improved mental health services systems for children and their families and presents Child and Adolescent Service System Program "system of care" model as…

Compared social competence of 566 elementary students classified as learning disabled, mentally retarded, behavior disordered, low-achieving, or regular education students. Found significant group effects on three subscales and total score of Walker-McConnell Scale of Social Competence and School Adjustment. Sex differences also were found, with…

Notes that many who work with troubled children assume curriculum of control to be necessary. Examines ways in which traditional treatments have fostered greater alienation. Suggests foundations for alternative model rooted in empowerment philosophy rather than obedience. Presents model of youth empowerment based on contemporary developmental…

Considers three treatment approaches when working with children of rage: psychodynamic, behavioral, and peer-group models. Discusses approaches in sequence, following chronology of author's own experiences in psychodynamic, behavioral, and peer-group programs. Illustrates how each approach presents unique pitfalls in practice. (NB)