Students (N=738) from grades one-five who exhibited behavior problems were assessed for behavioral disturbance using the Teacher's Report Form of the Child Behavior Checklist. Data were analyzed to assess the form's internal consistency, accuracy in discriminating disturbed and nondisturbed students, and validity in terms of grade repetition and…

Explored the hypothesis that there is a greater frequency of children of alcoholics in special classes for Emotional/Behavioral Disordered (ED) and Learning-Disabled (LD) children. Children of alcoholics were not overrepresented in any diagnostic categories, however significant differences were noted in the relationship of marital status and…

Self-reported internalizing symptoms of seriously emotionally disturbed (SED) and regular education students were compared using the Internalizing Symptoms Scale for Children. The SED group reported significantly higher levels of internalizing distress than the regular education group. Results are discussed in terms of future research needs and…

Goal setting and behavior contracting were combined for students with emotional and behavioral difficulties in a public elementary school. Attainment rates for 43 special education students were analyzed over 5 years. Results indicate high and consistent attainment percentages for contract goals. Findings suggests behavior contracting and goal…

This article describes specific components of a multifaceted approach to functional behavior assessment in the context of the widely accepted behavioral excess/deficit model for students with externalizing behavior disorders. Specific strategies to address academic skill and performance deficits as well as social skills deficiencies are also…

Examines the current literature and implications of follow-up studies of students with emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD). A general conclusion drawn by the literature reviewed was that students with EBD also have lower grades, more course failures, a higher grade retention, and a higher dropout rate than other disability groups and the general…

A clear link exists between neurological dysfunction and psychopathology in children, as evidenced by research on the sequelae of developmental childhood brain impairment, the neuropsychological investigation of children with psychiatric disorders, and neuroimaging research. Understanding the neuropsychological basis of a disorder helps teachers,…

Examined relationship between on-task behaviors and standardized achievement among emotionally disturbed or behavior disordered students. Forty emotionally disturbed or behavior disordered elementary school students participated in token economy for one academic year. Noted minimal pre-post achievement gains and high level of on-task behavior; no…

Examined factor structure of Conners Teacher Rating Scale (CTRS) in medically referred brain-damaged and learning-disabled children and adolescents. Extracted six factors: Conduct Disorder, Hyperkinesis, Distractibility, Depression, Dyssocial Behavior, and Introversion. Results support use of CTRS as brief objective instrument for assessing child…

The Test of Variable Attention (TOVA), widely used in the assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, was studied along with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children III (WISC-III). Explores whether the TOVA is a measure of psychomotor speed function rather than sustained attention. Results indicated that there was no correlation…

Provides critical examination of research published during past ten years addressing Conduct Disorder (CD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and internalizing disorders. Concludes comorbidity varies with age, gender, informant, diagnostic criteria, and nature of the sample. Implications of comorbidity…

Compared cross-age and peer tutoring interventions conducted within special education settings. In Experiment 1, learning disabled (LD) and behaviorally disordered (BD) students tutored younger LD and BD students. In Experiment 2, same-age LD and BD students alternated tutor and tutee roles. In both experiments, tutors and tutees exhibited…

The Parent Education and Guidance Program is an eight-month program that utilizes parent support groups and professionals from various fields to involve parents of handicapped children in a group process directed toward meeting the child's social, emotional, and intellectual needs. The program attempts to create a positive, ongoing relationship…

Investigated factors considered by 118 school psychologists, 119 principals, and 108 special education teachers in making distinction between students with serious emotional disturbance and those with social maladjustment. Found moderate disagreement between groups on behavioral or background descriptors differentiating emotionally disturbed and…

Investigated the effects of labeling bias on prognostic outlook for children as a function of diagnostic labels and professional group membership. Studied the reaction of professionals to the description of an elementary-school-age boy with behavior problems. Effect for diagnostic label on judgment of overall adjustment approached significance.…