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…

This paper reviews provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and findings from court cases regarding behavioral intervention plans (BIPs) for students with disabilities. The following eight recommendations are provided for school districts as they strive to implement the behavioral intervention provisions of IDEA and…

This digest discusses the new requirement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that Individualized Education Program teams conduct a functional behavioral assessment (FBA) and implement behavior intervention plans that include positive behavioral interventions and supports for students with disabilities. It describes the purpose…

The relationship between compliance with "do" and "don't" requests was examined with six developmentaly disabled children with severe behavior disorders. Generalized compliance occurred only with requests of the same types as the target exemplar ("do" or "don't"). (Author/SEW)

This article describes positive behavior support as it is applied in the context of early intervention and as children progress into elementary school. Variables that contribute to effective interventions are discussed, as are issues that must be considered in order to construct optimally beneficial transitions for children with behavioral…

Twenty-five youths, aged 10-17, with conduct or related disorders were assessed at entry and discharge from a Re-ED residential program. Improvements were found in: academic achievement, evening staff ratings of residents' hostility and anger arousal, and residents' perceptions of mastery over their environment. Day staff ratings did not indicate…

Stresses the usefulness of teaching the arts, especially drama, in classes for behaviorally disordered students. Discusses the problems created by a lack of time, money, trained teachers, and the demand for a back to the basics curriculum. Concludes that inclusion of drama in curriculum can reap many benefits for troubled youth. (KO)

This study evaluated a positive peer-reporting procedure on positive and negative peer interactions, peer acceptance ratings, and the daily problem behaviors of a 15-year-old boy with multiple behavior and social problems. Results suggested the procedure was effective in all three domains. Data collection and use is discussed in terms of a Level…

This article discusses legal requirements for developing functional behavioral assessment and behavioral intervention plans, especially as they pertain to disciplinary actions. This discussion is followed by an outline of elements related to behavioral intervention planning with specific guidelines for school personnel who seek to put such plans…

Although it has been argued that students with behavioral disorders benefit most from placement in general education classrooms, careful and systematic support is required to insure that their placement is successful. In this article, we review supports and interventions provided at multiple levels that together are known as "positive behavior…

Special education legislation has placed an increased emphasis on early intervention programs for children at risk for early literacy delays and behavioral disorders. Given this trend, it is important to understand the characteristics of students identified and served in at-risk programs. This study presents the findings from a cluster analysis on…

A current empirical review of the treatment efficacy of Multisystemic Therapy (MST) for adolescent conduct problems (CP) was conducted. Conclusions based on this review suggest that MST can be a very powerful alternative to the usual legal and social service approaches (e.g. justice system, day treatment programs) used in the treatment of…

This book offers a British perspective on ways of conceptualizing, assessing, and intervening in the challenging behavior of people with severe learning disabilities, with emphasis on the types of technical support needed. An introductory chapter explains why the term "learning disability" is used rather than mental handicap, mental…

This monograph describes the curriculum and teaching methods used to teach socialization skills at the Boys Town (Nebraska) special residential school for boys with behavioral disorders as well as replications of the Boys Town model in other locations. The model takes the basic techniques of the schools's Family/Home model and applies them to…

The paper addresses issues in providing community services for people with both mental retardation and emotional or behavioral disorders. First, it explores the meaning often found at the root of the often elusive definition of dual diagnosis concluding that this has become a catch-all category for people who present existing service systems with…