The relationship between learning disabilities and behavior disorders is well documented and has led to the development of integrated interventions that target both academic and behavior deficits in elementary students. This paper describes the rationale, development, and implementation of an integrated academic-behavior intervention called…

This article describes a current pilot program of the Albuquerque (New Mexico) schools for twice exceptional students (i.e., gifted students with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, and/or communication disorders) in grades 9 through 12. Three program components will be implemented over the next three years: (1) transition plan, (2)…

This paper examines the increased risk for substance abuse faced by students with emotional disturbances, behavior disorders, and learning disabilities. The paper discusses approaches to substance abuse prevention in regular education, application of such programs for special populations, and suggestions for expanding programs to address specific…

This article presents answers to common questions about use of contingency contracts for behavior management with students needing individualized programs in academic or social-emotional areas. A methodological format for developing contracts, a planning worksheet, and a sample contract are included. (DB)

This article describes a points-and-levels system to improve behavior of students with learning and behavioral disabilities in an upper-elementary special education setting. The four levels each involved specified responsibilities and privileges and students earned specified numbers of points to qualify for a "successful day" and eventual…

This paper describes a rural Hispanic community's efforts to identify and develop a program for gifted students in grades 2-6 who are also mildly to moderately handicapped (learning disabled, behavior disordered, or communication disordered). The "Twice Exceptional" (2E) program, in Los Lunas, New Mexico, is a modified full-time separate…

This action research presents data about an online Master of Arts in Education (MAE) in Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD), P-12 at Western Kentucky University. During extensive program revisions, the program developed a collaborative assessment model while preparing more than 300 special education personnel for work in rural schools.

Collaboration between Johns Hopkins University and the Montgomery County (Maryland) school system resulted in selection and graduate-level training of 12 nontraditional individuals to teach students with serious behavioral and learning problems. The goal was to alleviate teacher (especially minority teacher) shortages in special education. This…

This practicum report describes a project designed to increase the level of coordination of treatment planning between professional and paraprofessional staff at a residential treatment and educational facility for 40 adolescent males with learning disabilities or severe emotional disturbances. Three corollary aims were to increase the level of…

Based on the findings of three federally financed dropout prevention programs--ALAS (Achievement for Latinos through Academic Success), the Belief Academy, and Check & Connect--this report highlights school affiliation and bonding strategies to prevent students from dropping out of school and provides examples of activities to address the…

This introductory packet provides information on cultural concerns that should be considered in addressing barriers to student learning. Topics discussed include: (1) what is meant by ethnicity; (2) the importance of considering culture; (3) characteristics of culturally competent programs; (4) reasons school staff should be concerned about…