A data-based crisis support program at a special school for severely emotionally disturbed children provides on-the-spot intervention for students with behavioral difficulties, records data about the incident, and provides monthly summary data reports on program use. One month's data report is used to illustrate program structure and data…

When seriously emotionally disturbed students from an institution are placed in public schools, transition programs are critical. Responses of public school teachers and institutional teachers to a questionnaire identified communication and long range planning as major concerns. (CL)

In spite of the growing awareness and development of respite services, many families in need of them have little or no access. This is especially true for families whose children have emotional handicaps. A rationale for respite services supports parents' entitlement to respite care, its importance to all family members, and its help in improving…

Learning magic tricks permits behaviorally and emotionally handicapped children to become magicians in the eyes of adults, their peers, and themselves. The self-contained classes of handicapped boys in grades 3 through 6 have put on numerous magic shows since 1984. Program objectives include building self-esteem, teaching team cooperation,…

The report analyzes roles of mental health professionals in implementing Public Law 99-457, the Education of the Handicapped Amendments of 1986, which established the Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP). A December, 1987, conference of administrators, clinicians, policymakers, and parent representatives from federal, state, and…

Discussion of mentorship between students with emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD) considers justifications for such mentoring relationships, guidelines for establishing a mentorship program, and an account of implementation of a mentorship project involving African American males with EBD (four mentors (ages 13-15) and five proteges (ages…

This article presents answers to common questions about use of contingency contracts for behavior management with students needing individualized programs in academic or social-emotional areas. A methodological format for developing contracts, a planning worksheet, and a sample contract are included. (DB)

The article addresses the exclusion of social maladjustment from the federal definition of serious emotional disturbance and proposes a limited interpretation which would prevent the inappropriate exclusion of students with antisocial behavior from special education services. Briefly discussed are related issues of identification and programing.…

A 10-week program was developed to provide structure, consistency, and organization in the classrooms of 30 elementary-age emotionally handicapped (EH) students. The program sought to assist the students with staying on task, becoming structured, and reducing inappropriate behavior. The program contained two basic components (a behavioral…

This digest summarizes information on incidence in and identification and intervention of potentially suicidal children and youth with disabilities. Estimates suggesting that some categories of exceptional youth have higher suicide rates than the general population are cited. Suicide risk factors and signs that a student is potentially suicidal…

The manual outlines Michigan's procedures in providing special education services to students with emotional impairments. The first section depicts the special education process, beginning with pre-referral intervention strategies and referral and proceeding to evaluation, the individualized educational planning committee (IEPC) meeting, delivery…

This article focuses on special education's responsibility in planning and implementing suicide prevention programs in the schools. It discusses which students are at risk for suicide, the association between depression and suicidal behavior, guidelines issued by Minneapolis Public Schools, emotional first aid, and features of effective suicide…

This monograph discusses development and implementation of positive behavioral intervention plans with students who have emotional and/or behavioral disorders. It focuses on four steps of a 10-step methodology using functional behavioral assessment and intervention. Emphasis is on the use of positive behavioral intervention plans and supports as…

A group of students with emotional disturbances generated a list of rewards and received rewards after accumulation of points determined by the daily behavior of each group member. Use of this motivator and behavior management tool seemed to increase the cohesiveness of the group and prosocial behavior of its members. (JDD)

This monograph provides a structured planning process and information on best educational practices for serving students with emotional/behavior disorders (E/BD) placed in general education classrooms. After an introductory chapter, the guide: (1) addresses the controversy concerning inclusion for students with emotional/behavioral disorders; (2)…