The article focuses attention on the versatility of paraprofessionals in programs for behaviorally disordered students. Roles described relates to diagnosis, monitoring student progress, behavior management, instruction, classroom support, mainstreaming, use of community resources, and parent counseling. Specific job assignments that should not be…

Special education for the behaviorally disordered is described as being at an adolescent stage of development. The current state of the profession is compared with such characteristics of adolescence as overestimation of abilities and importance, underestimation of needs, lack of tolerance for ambiguity, and uncertain identity. (Author/JW)

This article introduces three papers on life space interviewing, by reviewing the history of the method as originated in Fritz Redl's "When We Deal with Children" (1966). The fundamentals of the technique's therapeutic applications for children with behavioral disorders, initial reactions to the technique, and ongoing debate are…

The article presents information on psychotrophic drugs used with behaviorally disordered students (stimulants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and lithium), including desired effects and side effects. Guidelines for teachers and other school personnel who work with students on medication are also provided. (Author/JW)

This article comments on Ralph Gardner's article (EC 230191) criticizing life space interviewing (LSI). The author offers documented evidence of effectiveness, claims LSI is designed solely for reactive (not proactive) conditions, and argues that it does not subtract from academic learning time and does not increase inappropriate behavior by…

This article criticizes the technique of life space interviewing (LSI) as supported in EC 230192. The body of supportive empirical evidence for LSI's effectiveness is discussed and considered inadequate, and a call is made for further empirical research. (PB)

This article reviews the past research and principles for facilitating moral growth through group discussion and the theories of judgment-action discrepancies. An intervention model is suggested which utilizes actual moral misbehaviors as the basis for both moral discussion and behavioral intervention. (Author/DB)

A conceptual scheme developed by the National Needs Analysis Project in Behavior Disorders is presented for guiding program description and evaluation in the behavioral disorders field. The scheme identifies essential program components such as philosophy, community involvement, and exit procedures. Underlying assumptions, the development process,…

Evaluation of a personalized system of instruction (PSI) on the spelling performance of 10 behaviorally disordered elementary students found improved spelling accuracy, further improvement when same-day retakes were allowed, improved student attitudes, and student preference of the PSI spelling program over traditional approaches. (Author/DB)

The paper reports on application of a case-by-case reintegration approach to helping 10 behaviorally disordered elementary students transition into less restrictive environments. The strategy combined transenvironmental programing, student-directed interventions, and collaborative consultation. Effectiveness was suggested by the number of students…

Comparison of results of using the Revised Behavior Problem Checklist to identify mild or highly deviant behavior in 95 children (grades 3 through 6) by two regular education teachers of each child indicated little agreement between teachers. (Author/DB)

Six behavior rating scales used with children with problematic behaviors were reviewed for psychometric soundness of reliability and validity. They are: Behavior Dimensions Rating Scale; Behavior Evaluation Scale; Child Behavior Checklist, Teacher Report Form; Devereux Elementary School Behavior Rating Scale; Revised Behavior Problem Checklist;…

The study examining the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral training program with 30 behaviorally disordered adolescents found participating students exhibited fewer aggressive behaviors and demonstrated greater self-control than nonparticipating students. The addition of an incentive for implementing the training strategies did not appear to…

The article reviews advantages and disadvantages associated with use of manual restraint to manage aggressive behavior in behavior disordered students. Noted is the common use of manual restraint without empirical validation or full consideration of ethical and legal implications. Guidelines for using manual restraint are offered. (Author/DB)

This article examines life space interviewing (LSI) from a behavioral perspective. Professionals' ability to successfully use LSI and the role of feelings in behavior are examined. Reinforcement strategies and environmental conditions are examined. LSI is recommended as a proactive rather than reactive strategy. Suggestions for improving LSI…