Increasingly, schools across the nation are encountering behaviorally challenging students entering primary grade classrooms. With this project, we sought to effectively intervene with such students within a public school setting using an empirically derived team approach adapted for use in an applied setting. The Behavioral Consultation Team…

The development and implementation of discipline programs for students with exceptional education* needs is a challenging endeavor for school leaders. This case focuses on the application of disciplinary procedures for a chronically disruptive student who is classified severely emotionally disturbed. The case provides a catalyst for educational…

The amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1997 (IDEA '97) established a number of expectations regarding how the behavioral needs of students with disabilities would be met and how they should be disciplined. These expectations included alternative behavioral assessment strategies (e.g., functional behavioral assessments,…

The past decade has given rise to a resurgence of interest in the investigation of antecedent events that "set the stage" for the occurrence of problem behaviors and, correspondingly, the role of these antecedents in developing preventative interventions. A growing literature supports the impact of teacher interactions and classroom structure on…

This study examined high school and middle school transition practices from the perspective of special education teacher leaders. Results indicated that the majority of schools offer functional curricula, social skills training, and an array of school-based functional learning opportunities. However, a significant number of schools did not provide…

By publishing a diverse range of views on a wide array of topics, "Children's Voice" seeks to encourage public discussion and debate among those who are committed to helping children and families. "Children's Voice" is published bimonthly by the Child Welfare League of America. This issue of "Children's Voice" includes: (1) Defining Family:…

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 report to Congress examines the Social Security Administration's approach to assessing children's impairments through the individualized functional assessment (IFA) process mandated by the Supreme Court in Sullivan v. Zebley. Specifically, the report assesses the IFA's impact on number of Supplemental Security Income recipients, IFA's…

Describes the development and field testing of a handbook for nursery school staff on the management of children's behavior problems. The handbook includes four schedules (for behavioral assessment, general assessment, parent interviews, and agency resources) and discusses play activity, behavior modification, and problem-solving approaches to…

Virginia's statewide plan of educator preparation in functional behavioral assessment, as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, is described. The step-by-step training process facilitated positive academic and nonacademic outcomes for all students. Preliminary data support the effectiveness of both the content and…

Describes a 10-step process that educators can use when conducting functional assessments and developing Behavioral Intervention Plans required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 for students with disabilities with behavior problems. A case study is provided to illustrate the process. (Author/CR)

This article explores the status of implementation of the behavioral and discipline requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997. Data are presented from complaints, hearings, and court decisions that suggest that the overall discrepancy between competency expectation for Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams and…

The current study investigated a needs assessment survey designed to measure perceptions of causes of dropout and school violence and related interventions. The needs assessment was conceptualized as a first step to be taken by schools to facilitate program planning, school-based implementation and acceptability of programs designed to prevent…

Mentally ill offenders represent a substantial proportion of jail and prison inmates. Despite the fact that confining mentally ill offenders can and often will exacerbate their mental illness, the quality of mental health services available to them remains poor and insufficient. Up to date, only a few cities and counties have considered a more…