This factsheet discusses the goals and principles that govern the development of culturally competent mental health programs for children and adolescents and their families. Principles include: (1) the family is the consumer and usually the focus of treatment and services; (2) Americans with diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds may have a unique set…

Ways in which adults can work with noncompliant, defiant, or oppositional children are presented in this manual. The program presented here was designed to help children having at least a two-year level of language or general cognitive developmental level and who fall between the ages of 2 and 12 years. The methods are meant for use by experienced…

The first step in dealing with an attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD) child's difficult behavior is to understand its origins. This book presents behavior management techniques to help parents care for their ADD child while ensuring that the child continues to develop positive, healthy self-esteem. The guide shows how to: (1) ensure an accurate…

This guide is intended to help school administrators to consider the impact of cultural diversity in the development and implementation of school disciplinary policies while complying with the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. First it examines how cultural bias, misunderstanding, and insensitivity may impede student and teacher…

This manual is designed to help school personnel conduct functional behavior assessments (FBAs) and to develop effective behavior intervention plans (BIPs). The manual begins by providing background information on FBAs including: (1) the four-stage model of collaborative problem solving that is used to conduct FBAs and develop subsequent BIPs,…

Bridging the gap between child development and strategies for inclusion, this book is intended to help early childhood practitioners and pre-service teachers feel better equipped to meet the needs of all the children in their early childhood setting. Each chapter of the book is a case study introducing a child (ages birth to 8 years) with one or…

The Group-Oriented Adapted Levels System teaches students with behavior disorders the skills needed for being members of a successfully functioning peer group, while providing the classroom teacher with an effective classroom management approach. Student behaviors are mediated by peers; students work toward a common goal; and opportunities are…

The role of teachers in assisting emotionally and behaviorally disordered students to develop full and happy lives is discussed. Described are factors in successful adaptation, liabilities and assets impacting the teachers' situation in supporting students, Public Law 94-142's influence in ensuring appropriate education, and the challenge of the…

This article describes the Movement Poetry Program, a program designed to increase poetry appreciation and to release, through movement, the excess tension of students with learning and/or behavioral disabilities. The article includes a suggested teaching style, a lesson format, and content for combining poetry and creative movement. (SW)

This article explains Family of Origin Education, a cognitive approach to helping students change maladaptive behaviors through understanding the historical and environmental contexts of such behaviors. Three phases of the approach, including staff preparation, student training (an eight-step process), and application to nonadaptive behavior, are…

This article presents an overview of federal and state laws intended to prevent school violence and examines related decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court. School districts' reactions to violence are discussed and a framework is proposed that school districts can use to develop legally correct policies regarding violence. (CR)

This article describes characteristics of adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders, transition outcomes for these students, model transition programs, and key transition service delivery components, including: intake and functional skill assessment, personal future planning, wraparound social services, competitive employment, flexible…

This article explores factors leading to development of antisocial behavior in children and later negative outcomes including school failure, delinquency, and violence. Best practices in screening and early intervention for at-risk and antisocial children are identified. Recommendations are offered based on research-based practices, tools, and…

Written by a British parent, this case study tells the story of an adopted child who experienced many difficulties adjusting to life at home and school. It describes attachment disorder, possible causes of attachment difficulties, the bonding cycle, therapeutic parenting, and how schools can support the re-nurturing process. (Contains references.)…

This article presents an alternative approach for reducing violence in schools: the development of evidence-based tools that can be used in existing networks to structure systemic changes. The PEACE POWER strategy emphasizes four practices: recognize contributions and successes, act with respect, share power to build community, and make peace.…