In this introductory article, the main features of positive behavior support are described, including a prevention-focused continuum of support, proactive instructional approaches to teaching and improving social behaviors, conceptually sound and empirically validated practices, systems change to support effective practices, and data-based…

Discussion of requirements of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) under the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act examines key components of the IEP, who constitutes the IEP team, roadblocks to effective use of the IEP, the top 10 common problems in IEPs, making the most of the IEP, transition planning, and…

This article describes how effective systems of positive behavioral support can be used in alternative educational settings as a means of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention for at-risk and adjudicated youth. Special concerns and specific strategies for this population are discussed across the range of placement alternatives. (Contains…

The paper outlines risk factors for the development of both communication disorders and emotional/behavioral disorders in young children, outlines communication assessment considerations, offers a transactional approach to early intervention which emphasizes the interplay between young children and their caregiving environments, describes…

Addresses nutritional problems associated with developmental problems in infancy and childhood. Nutritional problems are often linked to environmental disadvantage; the possibility exists for long-term developmental effects. Treatment for undernutrition does not appear to reverse all negative effects. Prevention of nutritional disorders is better…

Three theoretical perspectives on moral development and education are analyzed: individual (Kohlberg's theory of justice reasoning), interactional, and sociocultural. A continuum of six options for educational intervention is outlined, including the teacher as socialization agent, negotiation strategies, structured interventions, and an explicit…

Use of a family systems conceptualization in educational programing for behavior disordered students can improve program effectiveness and complement other effective classroom interventions. Changing support staff roles is recommended. For example, school psychologists coordinate family counseling services with ongoing educational programs instead…

This article describes virtual reality (VR) technology and discusses its potential application to the teaching of social skills to children and youth with behavior disorders through the use of interactive role plays. Limitations of the current technology and difficulties inherent in modeling simulations of human behavior are noted, as are…

Argues that effective sociomoral group treatment programs must not only motivate but also remedy the limitations of antisocial youth who would help one another change. Proposes a program with program implementation, outcome evidence, and a plea for program evaluation. (CFR)

This discussion concludes that personal choice cannot be used to distinguish between students with serious emotional disturbances or social maladjustment, a distinction required by federal legislation. Literature supporting this conclusion is reviewed, focusing on conduct problems and disorders, choosing maladjusted behavior, choosing a serious…

This article reviews research on three behavioral subtypes of attention deficit disorder (ADD): (1) without hyperactivity (ADD/WO), (2) with hyperactivity, and (3) with hyperactivity and aggression (ADDHA). Children with ADDHA appear to be at increased risk of having oppositional and conduct disorders, whereas children with ADD/WO show symptoms…

Explores current developmental research that reveals similarities and differences in the behavior of antisocial adolescent girls and boys, the types of assessment procedures that are required to identify antisocial girls, and the treatment possibilities that spring from appropriate assessment, including hands-on learning and participation in…

An overview of the behavioral aspects of the "African-American Behavioral Style" (AABS) includes examples of behaviors associated with this style and comparisons to the behavioral style generally associated with Caucasian students. Methods of assessing student behavior are examined in relation to cultural differences in behavior and…

This paper presents an outline and analysis of court decisions and federal legislation concerning required educational services for students with disabilities who are expelled from school for conduct judged to be unrelated to the disability. The analysis focuses on documentation of the right to continued education following disciplinary expulsion…

This paper offers profiles of females with behavioral/emotional disorders and suggests that these young women have unique needs. The paper discusses selected characteristics and assessment considerations and offers recommendations that will facilitate more responsive social, correctional, and educational programming. Characteristics of these young…