The origins and evolution of the field of emotional/behavioral disorders (E/BD) provide a context for offering suggestions for advancing the field. Building from this historical past and the research of others in the field, four broad recommendations which focus on academic and social needs of students with E/BD are offered: (a) ensuring high fidelity of implementation of effective intervention practices, (b) working within a systems-level approach, (c) developing a knowledge base through service-based research, and (d) preparing teachers of students with E/BD to meet the challenge. Embedded in these recommendations are three critical themes: the use of evidence-based practices, a response to intervention decision-making framework, and implementation of interventions with fidelity.