Although tremendous advances have been made in the development of evidence-based services and strategies to prevent and treat emotional and behavioral disorders (EBDs) in children, often such programs may be necessary but not sufficient to address the circumstances and needs of a specific student. The purpose of this introductory article and this…

In November 2017, the National Center for Special Education Research in the Institute of Education Sciences convened a group of experts to discuss and provide input on research needs for improving outcomes of students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). The discussion focused on four major topics of inquiry: (1) What do we know about…

Students with emotional and behavioral disorders are at great risk for long-term negative outcomes. Researchers and practitioners alike acknowledge the need for evidence-based, preventive, and early intervention strategies. Accordingly, in this chapter an expanded view of prevention is presented as a series of data driven decisions to guide…

The origins and evolution of the field of emotional/behavioral disorders (E/BD) provide a context for offering suggestions for advancing the field. Building from this historical past and the research of others in the field, four broad recommendations which focus on academic and social needs of students with E/BD are offered: (a) ensuring high…

The systems approach assembles in a single assessment setting four basic instruments to determine the current functioning status of the individual for the purpose of better understanding the dynamics involved in severe behavior problems: (1) the Democratic Maturity Test ; (2) the Life Fulfillment Inventory; (3) the Voluntary Control Test; and (4)…

Describes a strengths assessment process for families with emotionally disabled members. Using a systems framework, this assessment approach does not focus on problems, but rather provides a reliable means for recognizing family strengths that can be used as resources to meet the family's needs, goals, and objectives. (TJQ)

This article summarizes a process model designed to help schools include students with complex social, emotional, and behavioral needs in general classroom settings. Challenges to inclusion of these students are identified, and the seven-step model is explained and illustrated through examples of systems change projects throughout New Hampshire.…

A systems approach to educating autistic students which is employed as a working model in Dallas (Texas) incorporates individual needs within the context of the family and educational environments. Early childhood, elementary, and secondary issues are delineated in the three major areas of communication, socialization, and independent functioning.…

This report describes achievements of a Linn County (Oregon) project to design, implement, and evaluate a county-wide comprehensive interagency model for achieving improved outcomes for children with or at risk of developing emotional/behavioral disabilities. The project stressed systems change, driven by full parent participation and interagency…