Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is one of a group of behavioral disorders called disruptive behavior disorders (DBD). These disorders are called this because children who have these disorders tend to disrupt those around them. ODD is one of the more common mental health disorders found in children and adolescents. This paper discusses the…

The present article comments on the case conference presented in this issue, namely, Himle and Franklin's (Himle & Franklin, 2009) exposure and response prevention (ERP); Chosak and colleagues' (Chosak, Marques, Fama, Renaud, & Wilhelm, 2009) cognitive therapy (CT); and (Twohig, 2009) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Two questions are…

Background: Pica is a very dangerous form of self-injurious behaviour because one occurrence can be lethal. Dealing successfully with dangerous pica in a large institution requires a high level of administrative support. It cannot be relegated to each psychologist to write a programme. A written behaviour programme is only one component of…

This study evaluated a prevention program using "universal" interventions (i.e., classroom management, social-skill instruction, peer tutoring) for at-risk students and those with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) in urban schools. Direct observation and teacher reports indicated targeted students improved significantly in on-task behavior,…

Torey Hayden's style of classroom management in her nonfiction book "One Child" was examined. "One Child" unfolds within the space of a special education classroom for children with severe behavioral impairments and focuses on Sheila, a troubled 6-year-old, who has tied a 3-year-old boy to a tree and critically burned him. Each technique Hayden…

This article gives findings from the first year of an evaluation of various behavior support programs in 21 secondary schools in Scotland. Focus is on analysis of exclusion data, school reports on the initiative, and case studies of 116 pupils receiving behavior support. Discussion notes difficulties reconciling the flexibility required for…

Examines the prevention of antisocial behavior in children. It considers which children are at risk for behavior disorders, risk factors and their effects, pressures on schools, the value of early intervention, types of interventions (primary, secondary, and tertiary), and a secondary prevention program for kindergarten students, First Steps to…

These two manuals provide instructors and participants with a curriculum to train paraeducators to provide supportive services to students with challenging behaviors in inclusive classroom settings. The requires approximately 12 hours of instruction and 10 hours of practicum and can be offered in a variety of formats (intensively or over a number…

This qualitative research project examined strategies taken at two secondary schools in Scotland to reduce exclusions. Emphasis was on keeping pupils "on track" and helping deviant pupils to modify their behavior within more flexible boundaries. Among successful strategies were identifying pupils "at risk" early, tailoring…

This article reviews what teachers can do to prevent aggressive behavior in students with emotional and behavioral disorders. It considers the dynamics of aggression, the role of the therapeutic teacher, creation of the positive classroom climate, functional assessment, and teaching alternative behaviors. (DB)

The use of a programmed generalization strategy in general education classrooms was evaluated with 29 middle school students. Results indicated that the intervention, i.e., social skills training and self-monitoring with teacher matching, led to generalization of improved student behavior in up to six different class settings. (Author/CR)

This guide is intended to help California educators comply with requirements of the 1990 Hughes Act (which ensured the right of the state's special education students to a behavioral intervention plan) and with requirements of the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1997) concerning functional behavioral assessment and…

A public health model of prevention and intervention is applied to violent, aggressive, and antisocial student behaviors. Stressed is secondary prevention through school intervention by such means as comprehensive school planning, behavioral management strategies, student supervision, and providing for prosocial activity. Primary and tertiary…

This article explains skills and abilities that teachers require to effectively manage a classroom that includes students with emotional and behavior disorders and to develop a curriculum of behavior management. Discussed are techniques for preventing student misbehavior, teaching new behaviors, handling crises, and managing conflict. (DB)

Discussion of the increasing emphasis of school discipline and zero tolerance procedures and policies suggests there is little evidence that they have resulted in increased school safety or improved student behavior. A preventive, early response disciplinary model is suggested to increase the range of effective options for addressing violence and…