Special education teachers have one of the most challenging and stressful jobs in public education, which often leads to increased burnout. High levels of burnout have, in turn, been related to lower levels of fidelity of implementation in delivery of evidence-based behavior interventions. The purpose of this position paper is to (a) propose…

Schools are confronted with students who present serious behavior problems that were once only seen in secure settings. In order to be effective with these students, staff members need to acquire skills for managing crises. Article suggests that staff members put students first; use many tools for cultivating strengths; and learn from young…

Offers techniques for teachers to become more acquainted with students and their different personality types. Lists factors that may contribute to why a child is difficult in class and discusses some of the different kinds of atmospheres that can be generated in order to make the classroom a more peaceful place. (CW)

Examines change as a three-step procedure involving the phases of unfreezing (the movement from a steady state to a state that is unstable and amenable to change), moving toward the new level, and refreezing when the new feelings and responses, which have become comfortable for the client, are confirmed or reinforced by others. (CT)

This commentary on EC 605 189 discusses assumptions of gentle teaching, its use of supportive behavioral techniques, and criticisms of gentle teaching. The paper concludes that gentle teaching is distinct from applied behavior analysis (ABA) in its unconditional valuing and focus on mutual change and is congruent with ABA in use of several…

This paper explores the controversy surrounding gentle teaching, with particular reference to the relationship between gentle teaching and applied behavior analysis. Advantages and disadvantages of this approach are discussed, and it is suggested that gentle teaching and applied behavior analysis need not be regarded as mutually exclusive…

This article delineates the reasons why educators find punishment a more acceptable approach for managing students' challenging behaviors than positive reinforcement. The article argues that educators should plan the occurrence of positive reinforcement to increase appropriate behaviors rather than running the risk of it haphazardly promoting…

Teachers must learn how to make their classrooms caring cultures, provide caring while enforcing order, and become part of the solution for students with behavior problems. Schools must provide a curriculum of caring so each problem student can have at least one school adult as a concerned advocate. (SM)

An elementary teacher discusses her methods of dealing with a fourth grader who threw temper tantrums when he could not do his work. She offered to bring her dog to school if he showed self-control for a week. He worked hard, avoided temper tantrums, and his positive behavior was rewarded. (SM)

Contrasts the use of behavioral and developmental theories to address a child's aggression. Presents concerns about the use of social reinforcers, activity reinforcers, and tangible reinforcers. Asserts that behavioral techniques that shape children's surface behaviors without placing the behaviors within a developmental context may interfere with…

Argues that contingency play as an intervention strategy can ameliorate abused and neglected children's alienation from adults, reduce stress, and develop positive modes of behavior. The argument is supported by a case study of a four-year-old girl in a day treatment center for abused and neglected children. (BB)

This article compares approaches to teaching children with special learning needs, especially those with severe multiple disabilities. It suggests that behavioral methods result in undesirable instructor control of learning and compares these methods with approaches of effective teachers which encourage student initiative and pupil control.…

Discusses partnerships between early childhood teachers of children receiving therapy and the children's therapists. Offers suggestions on ways for teachers to work with the children's parents and deal with the children's acting-out behaviors in the classroom. (BB)

Maintains that a survey of beginning social studies teachers would probably show that their major concern is classroom discipline. Discusses discipline-related issues such as why do students obey rules, what actions should be taken, and discipline strategies. (CFR)

Draws on 13 years experience teaching behavior-disordered students to identify effective teaching methods. Discusses the importance of honesty, fairness, consistency, persistence, intuition, praise, and humor in the teacher-student relationship. Provides eight guidelines for developing a workable and suitable classroom reward system. (JHZ)