The paper outlines guidelines for developing policy on use of nontraditional educational interventions (such as timeout, aversive stimulation, biofeedback, behavior modification, relaxation therapy, and group meetings) with behavior disordered students. A model policy statement on the use of isolation rooms is presented. Such a statement should…

This bulletin, the first technical assistance bulletin produced by the Special Education Effective Practices Section of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is intended to share research-based promising practices with educators including family members, teachers, building administrators, and paraprofessionals. It…

This article explains how to implement "unified discipline" as a school-wide approach to managing problem behavior, an approach designed to support educators in meeting the needs of students with emotional and behavioral problems in general education classrooms by establishing unified attitudes, expectations, correction procedures, and team roles.…

Guidelines for developing school programs for behaviorally disordered (BD) youth, including program descriptions, and program staffing are presented. It is suggested that four concerns need to be addressed in the development of an educational program: (1) developing a program philosophy and general program goals for BD students, (2) identifying…

Issues surrounding disciplinary exclusion of seriously emotionally disturbed children from public schools are addressed, along with applicable federal legislation, court cases, and Office of Civil Rights (OCR) opinions. Exclusion is defined as the removal from, or the prohibition of, participating in the public school program in part or entirety,…

This bulletin is intended to share research-based promising practices with educators including family members, teachers, building administrators, and paraprofessionals. Using a question-and-answer format, it discusses the definition of positive behavior intervention and supports (PBIS) and characteristics of PBIS. Program characteristics include:…

Explains a conceptual model for a comprehensive, multilevel, school-wide discipline program and describes its implementation in one elementary school. Key elements of the program include teaching social norms, a seven-step school-wide classroom management strategy, and targeted, intensive, and comprehensive interventions. (DB)

Considers the implications of Section 550A of the 1996 Education Act in the United Kingdom concerning the use of physical restraint and reasonable force in schools. Addresses confusion over permissible forms of control and the need for staff training for effective implementation. (DB)

This article discusses factors related to antisocial behavior in school and provides the following suggestions for prevention of antisocial behavior and dropouts: reduce punitive methods of control, provide clear rules, assure support for educators, minimize academic failure experiences, teach social skills, use appropriate behavior management…

This article profiles Unified Discipline, a schoolwide systemic model of discipline that incorporates factors associated with best practices in teaching behavior and improving discipline. The four components of the program are described and include unified attitudes, expectations, correction, and team roles. Implications for practice are…

This book is intended to assist in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of more effective, legally sound disciplinary policies and procedures for all students in school. Case histories, court decisions, literature reviews, and positive education practices regarding the use of properly created intervention plans are available in many…

This guide is intended to help school administrators to consider the impact of cultural diversity in the development and implementation of school disciplinary policies while complying with the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. First it examines how cultural bias, misunderstanding, and insensitivity may impede student and teacher…

This article presents an alternative approach for reducing violence in schools: the development of evidence-based tools that can be used in existing networks to structure systemic changes. The PEACE POWER strategy emphasizes four practices: recognize contributions and successes, act with respect, share power to build community, and make peace.…

This monograph describes the unique features of secondary schools and the application of a systems approach to school discipline at the secondary level. The use of effective behavior support (EBS) designed to increase the capacity of schools to educate all students, especially students with behavioral challenges, is highlighted. Critical features…

This paper describes a method for evaluating current discipline practices and provides a strategy for making decisions about adopting or adapting behavior change strategies commonly reported in the professional literature. The guide begins by explaining relevant terms and key features of effective behavioral support. The remainder of the text…