This paper discusses the preliminary findings of Project DESTINY (Designing Educational Support Teams through Interdisciplinary Networks for Youth with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders), a three-year project designed to evaluate models for school-based service delivery to students with emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD). The sample for the…

This monograph describes the unique features of secondary schools and the application of a systems approach to school discipline at the secondary level. The use of effective behavior support (EBS) designed to increase the capacity of schools to educate all students, especially students with behavioral challenges, is highlighted. Critical features…

This report discusses the outcomes of two studies that investigated the effectiveness of the Safe Schools Healthy Students Initiative (SS/HSI), a federal grant program designed to promote healthy childhood development and prevent violence and substance abuse. The first study, titled "Results of a Longitudinal Study of Disciplinary Referrals…

This final report discusses the activities and outcomes of the Achieving, Behaving, Caring Project, a program designed to prevent the development of serious emotional disturbance among children and youth with emotional and behavioral problems. The project had three main elements: (1) social skills instruction from a social skills curriculum chosen…

This report discusses the activities and outcomes of a study that investigated the effects of social service reform, school restructuring, and special education reform for children and youth with emotional and behavioral disabilities. The study involved 116 caregivers of students (ages 8-14) with emotional or behavioral disabilities served in a…

A study investigated the outcomes of the Acute Children's Extended Services (ACES) program, a Salt Lake City, Utah, program designed to help children with emotional and behavioral disabilities reintegrate into the community from inpatient or residential care. The study examined outcomes of the ACES program within four domains: access, clinical…

This paper presents preliminary findings of a study evaluating effects of social service reform, school restructuring, and special education reform for children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Specifically, the study is attempting to identify successful school-based models, explicate the interventions used, and…

This paper offers a method for evaluating protective factors in young children at risk for emotional and/or behavioral disorders. It reviews the development, standardization, validation, and use of a new, nationally standardized measure of within child protective factors, the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA). The DECA evaluates the…

This digest identifies seven essential elements of effective programs for students in alternative programs because they have dropped out, are at risk for dropping out, or have behavior disorders that require special education outside the general education setting. Such alternative programs offer flexible curricula that can address the unique…

A study of 64 gang-involved youth found that they represent all ethnic and gender groups; experience multiple child and family risk factors; present mental health, substance abuse, and academic problems; and often score within clinical ranges on behavioral and emotional indices. Non-Latina females present more internalizing and externalizing…

Two studies examined issues related to school discipline in 19 middle schools. Results found there was little evidence of a consistent relationship between the offense and consequence. A disproportionate pattern in the administration of school discipline based on race, socioeconomic status, gender, and disability was also found. (Author/CR)

Two measures of community-based social behavior for adolescents and young adults with emotional and behavioral disorders, the male and female forms of the Test of Community-Based Social Skill Knowledge and the Scale of Community-Based Social Skill Performance, were examined. Results found the measures yielded acceptable reliabilities and exhibited…

Reviews three studies exploring the effectiveness of computers and parent volunteers for remedial language skills training in young children with Down's syndrome and severe language, learning, and behavioral disabilities. The results suggest that computer-based intervention is useful. Discusses educational considerations for planning and includes…

This paper identifies recurrent themes in prevention of behavioral and conduct disorders, including early intervention and family-focused prevention services; school-based prevention programs (such as peer mediation, social skills training, and self-management training); and within- and across-setting collaboration. Key areas for prevention…

Summarizes the results of a needs assessment survey of 186 disability service coordinators of Head Start programs in one region. Three important challenges were identified: serving young children with emotional-behavior issues, working with families, and working with community institutions. Implications for staff training are discussed. (Author/CR)