Results of professional development programs for elementary through secondary teachers are described, with attention to improving practices for teaching students with learning disabilities and behavior disorders in general education. Four professional development programs explored effective formats and content, and three subsequent programs…

This practicum addressed the attitudes and behaviors of 10 adolescents with severe behavioral and emotional problems participating in a cooperative job training program. The intervention used an adventure approach to help the students replace aggression and misconduct with job-related social skills. A needs assessment was conducted to identify…

This handbook describes an alternative educational setting to prepare secondary students (usually ages 12 to 14) with behavior disorders or problems for full integration into regular secondary school programs in Peterborough (Ontario). In the program, the student's time is highly structured and closely monitored. Students receive individual…

This paper describes a functional educational curriculum for students with severe behavior disorders within a hospital setting. The program stressed the meeting of individual needs while using an established, accredited curriculum. Curriculum development considerations discussed include the curriculum's philosophical base, developmental…

A systems approach to educating autistic students which is employed as a working model in Dallas (Texas) incorporates individual needs within the context of the family and educational environments. Early childhood, elementary, and secondary issues are delineated in the three major areas of communication, socialization, and independent functioning.…

This monograph examines current standards in personnel preparation for teachers of students with emotional/behavioral disorders (E/BD) and offers several teacher education models that incorporate collaboration with parents and community schools and agencies as key features. Following an introductory chapter, chapter 2 explains the standards…

This article explores how the school-based wraparound approach and a school-wide systems approach to positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) work together to create more effective school environments and improved outcomes for students with or at risk of behavioral challenges. Complementary aspects of these wraparound and PBIS…

Collaboration between Johns Hopkins University and the Montgomery County (Maryland) school system resulted in selection and graduate-level training of 12 nontraditional individuals to teach students with serious behavioral and learning problems. The goal was to alleviate teacher (especially minority teacher) shortages in special education. This…

This article describes the Behavior Rating Profile-Second Edition, a rating scale designed to identify students ages 6.6 to 18 years with behavioral, emotional, personal, and social adjustment problems. The test contains a Teacher Rating Scale, a Parent Rating Scale, and Student Rating Scales. Its administration, reliability, and validity are…

This article describes the Gillian Autism Rating Scale, an interview-based instrument designed to identify individuals ages 3-22 who are autistic and to assess persons referred for serious behavior problems. The test accesses stereotyped behaviors, communication, social interaction, and developmental disturbances. Its administration,…

This paper addresses two approaches to serving students at risk for or with emotional and/or behavioral disorders in general education settings: (1) use of individual behavior plans (IBPs), and (2) use of the combined classroom model. The process of developing an IBP is detailed, including when an IBP is developed, by whom it is developed, and the…

The Literature Project is a literature-based reading program designed to meet the needs of adolescent females with behavioral/emotional disorders, adolescent female offenders, and adolescent females at risk. The project uses novels and short stories written by and for women as basic reading material. Literary selections with heroines who are…

This monograph describes how special educators in seven schools are using technology to promote literacy. Profiles of the different schools provide concrete examples of technology use in different instructional settings and demonstrate how various educational philosophies and implementation efforts help schools build successful technology-based…

Five articles address current teaching and programming practices in the education and treatment of behaviorally disordered youth. In "Down the Up Staircase: The Teacher as Therapist," P. Nichols explores the premise that teachers should not limit their potential as child helpers by excluding counseling and psychotherapeutic…

This report describes the Eclipse program, which was developed for middle school students with school-behavior problems. The program combines group counseling and judo training, a non-violent sport that promotes social, psychological, and physical development. During the program, groups of approximately 15-20 students participate for 1 hour each…