This paper reports the outcomes of a study that utilized descriptive, qualitative methods and a series of case studies to investigate how students are diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders, specifically Asperger syndrome under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The study focuses on students attending elementary schools in…

This action research project investigated the effects of music on the behavior and performance of students (ages 3-21) with multiple disabilities, mental retardation, or severe mental retardation in four self-contained special education classrooms. The teacher researchers involved in the study made no assumptions with regard to the outcomes. It…

This report brings together empirically-based studies on classroom organization and management and outlines practices that facilitate creation of a classroom system that is both preventive and interventional. The nine sections focus on: using research to create a classroom management system (arranging the classroom, planning rules and procedures,…

This technical assistance document is intended to offer Oregon districts and agencies guidance in understanding and implementing the regulations dealing with behavioral supports, interventions, and disciplinary actions for students with disabilities who are eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It is comprised of…

This publication is designed to help educators understand the purpose and meaning of the functional behavioral assessment process and how to identify and assess the behavior of students with disabilities. It shows how to develop and write effective behavior intervention plans using data collected during the functional assessment and presents many…

This guide discusses using Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) to find out why a student is behaving inappropriately and to enable the provision of appropriate positive behavior intervention. It stresses that a FBA goes beyond looking at antecedent behavior and consequence to review everything in the entire environment of the student.…

This paper explores research on use of medication and non-drug interventions to modify the behavior of preschool children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It begins by discussing the symptoms of ADHD, neurological differences between children with ADHD and those without ADHD, and expected adolescent and adult outcomes for…

This document is designed to provide guidance to Illinois school administrators on positive behavioral interventions with students with disabilities. It begins with a description of the Illinois statute addressing behavioral interventions and then provides information on district policy guidelines on establishing and maintaining a committee to…

This digest provides an overview of considerations for teaching students with autism. General considerations for providing effective instruction for students with autism include: (1) ensure that the student is in good health, free from pain and irritation, and in a safe, stimulating, and pleasurable setting; (2) provide structure in the…

Addresses problems of treating troubled girls at a male-dominated facility. The Positive Education Program (PEP) model is used in an Ohio day-treatment program for children with severe behavior problems. PEP staff use negative incidents as learning opportunities while positive programming makes school and its social interactions successful…

In this interview with Susan Conners, a middle school French teacher who has lived with Tourette syndrome (TS) since age 6, she discusses her lack of diagnosis until age 36, difficulties in school, why TS should be listed under "Other Health Impaired" in federal legislation, characteristics of TS, and interventions. (Contains…

This article presents the challenges that urban special education administrators face in serving students with frequent behavior problems. New strategies for creating supportive environments are shared, including creating a positive school climate, increasing capacity to initiate and maintain research-validated practices, and implementing programs…

Describes study conducted in Montreal which used simulation games to determine the effect of role play, group dynamics, behavior modeling, and training on the attitudes and behavior of five-year-old pedestrians with respect to traffic safety rules. Hypotheses tested are presented and treatments for the experimental and control groups are…

In a short-term, intensive parent-training program, mothers of developmentally delayed infants are shown how to teach their children toy play behaviors. This study evaluates intervention effects on parents and children, with a focus on maternal behaviors. Results indicate improved maternal teaching behavior and generalizability of positive…

Children who are deficient in social skills or who have developed inappropriate communication skills may be at risk in school and disruptive to family dynamics. To prevent crises developing in adolescence, the Stop-Think-Do social skills program, first developed in Australia, provides a method of reinforcing cooperative behavior and…