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Direct observation of classroom behavior in young children enriches our understanding of their behavior in its natural context, informing both assessment and intervention strategies to foster supportive learning environments. However, a notable gap in the literature concerning effective direct observation tools specifically designed for this purpose remains challenging. This observational study utilized the digital format of the The Student Observation System (BASC-3-SOS; Reynolds & Kamphaus, 2015), enabling behavior recording via smartphones, tablets, or laptops. We conducted observations for 43 young children aged four and five in classroom settings. Thirty of these children had been previously identified with behavioral problems via the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ, Child Psychol Psychiatry Allied Discip. 38(5), 581–6, 1997), while 13 were considered typically developing. Each child was observed over three 20-min sessions, totaling 60 min per child. The findings revealed a significant correlation between the SDQ scores and BASC-3-SOS assessments in adaptive and maladaptive behaviors. The results indicate that young children's engagement and problem behaviors vary with teacher interactions and classroom activities. children identified with behavioral issues exhibited higher levels of maladaptive behaviors compared to their typically developing peers. The study presents the BASC-3-SOS as a promising tool for identifying general behavioral and emotional risks among young children in Qatar, suggesting its utility in enhancing early educational interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students with emotional and behavioral problems have poor academic and behavioral outcomes, both short- and long-term. Psychotropic medications are commonly used as an intervention with this population and their use has increased significantly. This study investigated adolescent and family variables associated with medication use among high school students with elevated emotional and behavioral problems, including those with a label of emotional and behavioral disorders. Participants included 548 adolescents from a larger randomized controlled trial, 184 (33.6%) of whom were receiving medication. Hierarchical linear modeling revealed that special education status, externalizing and internalizing behavior symptoms and participant race were significant student predictors of medication use. Parenting stress, family structure, positive parenting, and poor monitoring were significant family predictors of participants' medication use. These findings have implications for current practices in schools pertaining to screening and access to interventions as well as future research focused on the parent and student decision making process for choice of interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daily Behavior Report Cards (DBRCs) have been found to decrease disruptive behaviors of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, intellectual and developmental disorders, and typically developing students. However, although previous studies indicate that peers can assist with the implementation of a variety of interventions (e.g., Check in check out), teachers are often the implementer of DBRCs. In addition, it appears that no studies evaluating DBRCs have included a functional assessment. Thus, the purposes of this study were to assess the effects of a peer-mediated DBRC on disruptive classroom behaviors, determine whether peers could implement their portion of the intervention procedures with high integrity, and assess whether DBRC was effective independent of the functional reinforcer for disruptive behavior. In this study, peer-mediated DBRC led to a decrease in disruptive behavior and an increase in on-task behavior for all three target students who were at risk for EBD. The peer mediators also implemented the DBRC procedures with high integrity. Furthermore, DBRC was effective at suppressing disruptive behavior independent of their presumed functional reinforcer. However, it does appear that different portions of the intervention likely addressed the hypothesized functions of problem behaviors of all three participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We implemented a rapid protocol to train teachers in a school for detained juvenile offenders to implement the Good Behavior Game, an empirically supported group contingency procedure, in their classrooms. Data were collected on both teacher (i.e., two measures of treatment integrity) and student behavior (i.e., disruptive behavior). Results indicated clear treatment effects in three of five classrooms and low levels of disruption but unclear effects in the other two. Most students and teachers preferred the intervention and found it effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Good Behavior Game (GBG) and a common variation referred to as the Caught Being Good Game (CBGG) are two well-established group contingency classroom management procedures. However, there have been few comparison studies of the two procedures, and none have been conducted with students older than kindergarten or those who engage in severe classroom disruption. Given the popularity of the GBG, its variations in the literature, and the likelihood for differences in contextual fit, more comparison studies are needed. In addition, education researchers frequently rely on topographical measures of on-task behavior that do not provide information on student work completion or accuracy. In the current study, the GBG and CBGG were implemented in a classroom of at-risk middle-school students who met criteria for emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) and engaged in severe classroom disruption and infrequent on-task behavior. Data were collected on disruption, on-task behavior, work completion, and work accuracy for three target students. Both the GBG and CBGG substantially reduced disruption and increased on-task behavior. The GBG produced greater reductions in disruption for all students and the CBGG produced greater increases in on task for two students and work completion for all students. However, these differential effects were modest and neither intervention affected student work accuracy. A correlation analysis indicated moderate positive correlations between on task and work completion, and weak to moderate negative correlations between disruption and on-task behavior. The classroom teacher indicated preference for the GBG over the CBGG and student preferences were mixed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students with emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD) perform academically below their peers. One area of particular challenge is written expression. Using a multiple-probe design across participants, this study evaluated the effects of GO 4 IT... NOW! strategy instruction on the writing skills of three students with EBD, ages 11–14. The researchers used GO 4 IT... NOW strategy instruction to teach students to write paragraphs in the context of their individualized education programs; in particular, students learned to write goals and objectives related to their self-identified academic and nonacademic needs. Researchers taught 19 GO 4 IT... NOW! lessons in a one-on-one format; lessons included explicit strategy instruction, feedback, self-evaluation, and practice with revising paragraphs. Results indicate a functional relation between GO 4 IT... NOW! strategy instruction and improved expository and IEP goal paragraphs. Students maintained gains into the following school year. Social validity, limitations, and future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass school shootings in America are undoubtedly among the most unsettling and tragic events that have occurred in modern history. Following such an event, questions often arise about characteristics of the perpetrator. Assertions and speculation regarding the mental health status or special education disability status, specifically related to emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), flood media outlets and popular news sources. However, there are no data to suggest that children or youth with EBD pose a greater risk of committing a mass school shooting than do others. In this paper, we discuss assumptions related to mass school shootings and students with EBD and consider efforts for prevention and intervention. We discuss detrimental effects of a zero-tolerance approach, especially for students with EBD, and the use of threat assessment as a more effective, research-based model of prevention. We highlight in particular the potential benefits of a threat assessment model for students with or at risk for EBD. Finally, we discuss the need for future research to critically examine the effectiveness and potential side effects of lockdown drills and limitations on federally funded firearm research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students identified with emotional disturbance (ED) increasingly find themselves in inclusive classroom environments where a well-developed vocabulary is essential to success and where instruction is based on college and career readiness standards. The purpose of this comprehensive literature review was to identify and review the available intervention research targeting the vocabulary knowledge of students with ED. Results indicated only five such studies have ever been conducted and the quality of this research is variable. Two strategies—morphology and concept mapping—are suggested for teachers serving students with ED and five recommendations for future research are included in this review. Practitioners are also urged to embed behavioral supports (e.g., self-monitoring, praise, corrective feedback) in their academic interventions to maximize students' educational outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research indicates that students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) may engage in severe disruptions and off-task behaviors in the classroom setting that adversely impact the learning environment. This leads to many students identified as having EBD being placed in alternative education settings, such as restrictive schools or residential facilities. Due to placement in more restrictive environments and high rates of disciplinary actions, it is especially critical to decrease disruptive behaviors for students diagnosed with EBD. In addition, classroom teachers report disruptive behaviors and conduct problems as a major barrier to teaching their students. An ABC multiple baseline across classes design was used in an alternative school setting to evaluate the effects of explicit social skills training combined with a group contingency on class-wide levels of engagement and disruptive behavior. Participants were students in the first through sixth grade diagnosed with EBD. Through the class-wide intervention, social skills acquisition deficits were targeted through social skills instruction and social skills performance deficits were targeted through reinforcement programs. Results showed an increase in engagement and a decrease in disruptive behavior across all classrooms as a result of the intervention package. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the collective and differentiated effects of a remedial reading intervention, Corrective Reading Decoding Level B, on the reading skills and social adjustment of elementary and middle school students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) and learning disabilities (LD). Students were provided an average of three 40–45 min lessons per week over the course of nearly 4 months. Statistically significant reading skill improvements were found between students who received the intervention (n = 45) and those in the comparison condition (n = 23). The mean average basic reading skills of students with EBD (n = 10) improved from the low average range at pretest to the average range at posttest. Statistically significant differences were found between the posttest basic reading skills of students with EBD and their counterparts with LD (n = 35). Statistically significant reductions in the overall social adjustment problems and internalizing problems of participating students were found. The total problems of students with EBD moved from the clinical to the normal range at posttest. Except for performance on measures of oral reading fluency, students with EBD were significantly more responsive than their LD counterparts on measures of core reading skills, attention problems, ADHD Problems, and anxiety problems. Limitations, implications, and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fractions are a cornerstone skill for student success in higher-level mathematics and many practical skills. However, most students do not have proficient fraction conceptual or computational knowledge. Effective and efficient interventions are needed to remediate these skills, especially for students with or at-risk for disabilities. We present a curricular overview of a self-regulated strategy development (SRSD) framework, SRSD Fractions. SRSD Fractions addresses adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, simplifying fractions, and converting fractions to mixed numbers. We summarize research on SRSD Fractions and lessons learned, including implications for future research and practice, especially for students with comorbid behavior and academic challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: There is evidence to suggest the level of caregiver strain experienced by parents and other caregivers may have implications for engagement in their child's mental health and education services. This is particularly important for caregivers of youth with emotional and behavioral disorders in special education, as these caregivers tend to be less involved than other caregivers. The purpose of this study was to understand caregiver strain and theoretically-related constructs in caregivers of youth with emotional and behavioral disorders. Methods: The sample included 112 caregivers of youth receiving special education services for Emotional Disturbance (ED). Using structural equation modeling and the Modified Double ABCX Model as a theoretical framework, the relationships among caregiver strain, stressors, resources, and perceptions were examined. Results: Consistent with findings from previous studies, results indicated that more problems with youth functioning were related to higher levels of caregiver strain. Resources were found to be positively related to both perceptions and caregiver strain. The strongest relationship was observed between caregiver perceptions and caregiver strain, with more negative perceptions associated with higher levels of caregiver strain. Conclusions: Findings reveal the nature of the relationships among caregiver strain and related constructs, as well as the potential importance of perceptions as a target for interventions for families and youth. An understanding of caregiver strain as it relates to stressors, resources, and perceptions provides insight into how we might leverage these factors in order to increase caregiver engagement in services, ultimately improving outcomes for youth and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and other emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) often have significant academic needs, particularly in the area of writing. There is currently a need to identify intervention strategies that can be efficiently implemented in the school setting to improve the writing fluency outcomes of students from this population. Performance feedback has been successfully used to improve typically developing students' writing fluency; however, its isolated effects for students with ODD are unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the writing fluency gains of an evidence-based performance feedback intervention could be replicated with a sample of students with ODD. Results of a multiple baseline design failed to demonstrate three replications supporting its effectiveness. Implications for practice are discussed in the context of the unique behavioral needs of students with ODD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Group contingencies have been indicated to be effective in reducing disruptive behavior and increasing academic engagement in school settings. Previous research has demonstrated their efficacy with a wide range of student ages, but there have been few studies with older students who engage in severe disruptive behavior. In the current study, we implemented an interdependent group contingency in three high school classrooms of students aged 14–19 years with histories of delinquency, emotional and behavioral disorder diagnoses, or both. Results indicated that interdependent group contingencies can be effective in reducing the disruptive classroom behavior of these students. Implications for future research and special considerations for this population are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the USA, students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) are among the most vulnerable to have reading difficulties, experience general academic failure, and drop out of school. Students with EBD who receive schooling in residential treatment centers are at even greater risk for academic difficulties. To date, very little research has examined the impact of reading interventions for students educated within a residential treatment center. The primary goal of this two-part study was to evaluate the effects of a reading intervention with four students with EBD who were attending a residential treatment center. Each student received an evidence-based reading fluency intervention to increase their reading skills, and data collected in a multiple baseline design across participants demonstrated that each student responded favorably to the intervention. Standardized reading assessments, administered pre-post, supported evidence of intervention effectiveness. Implications for applied research and practice are discussed, including the implications for using participants' feedback to modify and enhance intervention procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescents with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD) have complex needs and experience challenges in various developmental areas and life domains. The majority of current studies regarding Quality of Life (QOL) among adolescents often adopt a quantitative design to assess health-related aspects of QOL. While considerable progress has been made in acknowledging the rights of children and adolescents to express their views on life and well-being, there remains a lack of research regarding adolescents with EBD and their personal perspectives on QOL. This qualitative study aims to address this gap. Focus groups (N = 6) were conducted with 25 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years living in a large-scale residential care organization. An expert panel, comprising six experts, was convened to classify the results from the focus groups (i.e., indicators) according to the QOL framework by Schalock and Verdugo (2002). An in-depth overview of the wide variety of aspects adolescents value with regard to their QOL was presented. The findings highlighted the importance of adopting a broad and holistic approach, instead of a traditional health-related and deficit-oriented one, when aiming to enhance the QOL of adolescents with EBD. Furthermore, several benefits for research and clinical practice relating to adolescents' personal perspectives on QOL were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has historically been much less research on the literacy skills of adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) compared to the amount of intervention research targeting their behavior. Within the limited literacy research available, there are multiple issues that need to be addressed, including (a) a predominant focus on children in elementary school, (b) gender differences in students with EBD, and (c) variation in the labels of research participants. The purpose of this integrative, comprehensive review was to investigate these concerns and provide a summary of the data to guide future research studies. A total of 63 articles targeting the reading and/or writing skills of middle and high school students with EBD were identified, spanning 37 years of research (1980-2016). Analysis of the articles revealed that less than 15% of the participants were female, and the percentage of females included in this research has declined across time; 11 different labels have been used to describe research participants; oral reading fluency, persuasive writing, and reading comprehension were the three most common dependent variables; and less than 5% of studies took place in inclusive general education settings. Recommendations for practitioners serving students with EBD and for researchers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides a description of caregiver strain in a sample of caregivers of students with emotional and behavioral disorders receiving school-based services. Few studies have examined caregiver strain in school-based samples. Given poor outcomes for these youth, as well as the potentially influential role of caregiver strain in service use and engagement, understanding the caregiving experience in this population is important. The current study sought to: (1) examine the levels of the different types of caregiver strain reported by caregivers in the sample; (2) describe the level of the different types of caregiver strain reported by different groups of participants; and (3) examine the relationship between caregiver strain and various student and caregiver characteristics. This study is a secondary analysis of data collected from 243 students and their caregivers enrolled in one of two larger studies examining the effectiveness of a parent support intervention. Overall, results suggest that caregivers of students with emotional and behavioral disorders may experience strain as a result of their child's problems that goes beyond usual daily life stressors. Internalized strain directed inward toward caregivers themselves appears to be of particular importance in this population. Conclusions and recommendations for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotional and behavioral (EB) problems in children are associated with increased perceptions of strain in parenting. Among children receiving services, parenting stress has been linked to initiating services for their children, and may strain the relationship between parent and child. In contrast, parental engagement and empowerment in services is an important quality indicator for positive treatment outcomes. However, no known studies have examined the association between parent empowerment in their child's services and their perceptions of stress related to parenting a child with significant mental health needs. Further, no studies have explored whether empowerment moderates the relationship between the child's symptoms and parental perceptions of stress. The current study examined the impact of child EB problems and parent empowerment on parenting stress. Among a sample of 525 parents of children receiving school-based services for disruptive behavior disorders, child EB problems significantly predicted parenting stress. Parent empowerment also correlated with lower parenting stress, as hypothesized. Although parent empowerment was not found to moderate the relationship between child symptomatology and parenting stress, the relationship between parent empowerment and parenting stress differed based on child gender and age. Parent empowerment was associated with lower parenting stress more for parents of females and younger children than for parents of males and older children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One promising intervention to support the writing skills of students with and at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders is self-regulated strategy development (SRSD). The purpose of this study was to extend this line of inquiry to a residential setting with teachers serving as interventionists and determine the effects of the SRSD using the STOP and DARE mnemonic for persuasive writing on the writing performance (Correct Word Sequences, Essay Elements, and Essay Quality), and academic engagement of secondary students. In addition, this study extended this line of inquiry by looking at implementation of the intervention only 2 days per week, a lower treatment intensity than previous research has used to find statistically significant gains in writing. Results of a piecewise hierarchical linear model suggest statistically significant gains were made over the course of the intervention in writing and academic engagement when compared to baseline. In addition, student variables such as writing achievement, externalizing/internalizing behavior patterns, age, and attendance predicted writing and engagement. Results of generalization, fidelity, and social validity also are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of this study were to examine secondary school special educators' perspectives on (1) the relative importance of the academic, mental health, and behavioral elements of the emotional disturbance (ED) special education classification in relation to determining eligibility for students with suspected ED, and (2) factors that are relevant both to education placement decision making for students classified with ED and to decision making regarding the degree of restrictiveness of education placements, including highly restrictive, alternative placements. A national survey was conducted with 1,025 middle and high school special educators. Results indicated that aggression was the most important factor for considering ED eligibility, followed by psychiatric diagnoses and, lastly, academic factors such as grades and achievement scores. Effectiveness was rated as very important in determining a student's education placement, whereas financial cost and logistical issues were rated as less important. Some differences emerged between middle school and high school participants on items related to determining education placement. Compared to middle school educators, high school educators indicated that students themselves play a more active role in determining education placement. High school educators also indicated that they are more likely to consider homebound instruction and computer/web-based programs and that they better meet the vocational needs of students classified with ED. Middle school special educators indicated that they better meet the behavioral and emotional needs of students classified with ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) often fail to master literacy skills, in part because disruptive behaviors interfere with task engagement and persistence. The theory of behavioral momentum explains the persistence of behavior in the face of changing environmental conditions. The current exploratory study examined variables related to behavioral momentum in the context of a continuous reading task. Participants were three adolescents identified with EBD who were instructional on fifth-grade material. Results indicated that when participants read a third-grade paragraph immediately before a fifth-grade paragraph, they decreased the latency to initiate reading of the fifth-grade paragraph and increased words read correctly per minute on the first 10 words of the fifth-grade paragraph. Results are discussed in terms of the theory of behavioral momentum and the nature of interventions that may be developed to increase reading persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to an understanding of how state education authorities conceptualize and utilize the construct of emotional disturbance (ED) within the special education system. Specifically, this study examined variability across state definitions of ED and the extent to which such differences in definition are associated with ED identification and educational placement rates. Relevant literature and publicly disseminated documentation at the federal and state levels were reviewed. Results indicated that most state definitions of ED did not differ from the federal definition, although 20% of states broadened the federal ED definition to make it more inclusive. States with broader definitions did classify more students with ED, relative to states using either the federal or a more narrow definition, although rates of restrictive and mainstream placements did not differ as a function of definition. Results also suggest that use of a 'social maladjustment' exclusion criterion contributes to variation not only in state-level definitions of ED, but also in students' access to mental health and special education services. Recommendations for future research are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth social, emotional, and behavioral problems continue to be of great concern and are costly to individuals and society. Teachers are in an ideal position to recognize symptoms of these problems and to provide or obtain appropriate services. Thus, it is critical to examine the training that pre-service teachers receive. In the present study, we evaluated the curriculum requirements for certification in randomly selected college/university elementary teacher training programs. Course syllabi were examined to determine the amount and type of training future elementary teachers received related to social, emotional, and behavioral problems. Results indicated limited exposure to such information. The findings are discussed with respect to implications for college/university teacher preparation programs, student outcomes, and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of functional behavior assessment (FBA) to guide the development of behavior intervention plans continues to increase since they were first mandated in IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997, 20 U.S.C. Section 1400 et seq, 1997). A variety of indirect and direct instruments have been developed to facilitate this process. Although many researchers believe that a full functional analysis is necessary to identify the function of a behavior, more rapid and efficient FBA procedures are more commonly used. This investigation examined the correspondence between indirect and direct FBA procedures. Specifically, the results of three descriptive assessments and a functional analysis for four young children at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders were compared. Separation of all descriptive and experimental results was maintained and the assessment order was counterbalanced. Results of the descriptive assessments had low consistency with each other, and the results of two indirect FBA assessments (the Functional Assessment Interview and Motivation Assessment Scale) had low agreement with the results of functional analyses. On the other hand, the direct assessment procedure (ABC assessment) agreed with the results of functional analyses for all participants. These results support the use of direct observations and indicate that indirect measures should be used with caution as stand-alone assessments of the function of challenging behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase of violence in present-day society calls for adequate crisis interventions for students with behavioral problems. Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI) is a systematic and formatted response to a student’s crisis, based on cognitive, behavioral, psychodynamic and developmental theory. The following research article evaluates a LSCI Program with students referred to special schools with residential treatment because of severe behavioral problems. The evaluation was conducted using a quasi experimental pre-test–post-test control group design. Thirty-one match paired students were pre-tested before the interventions started and post-tested after a period of 11 months. Five standardized questionnaires were examined to assess the effectiveness of the LSCI Program. General Linear Model (GLM) with repeated measures was used to analyze all data. For the total group of subjects ( n = 62) it was found that students’ perception about their athletic competence decrease significantly after 11 months in residential care. A positive effect of LSCI was found on direct aggression and social desirability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comments on the nature of special education as an enterprise and judgment of its progress are offered. Five independent but necessary and sufficient criteria for judgment of progress in special education for students with emotional or behavioral disorders are suggested. Comments are made on each of the articles in the series, and concluding remarks call for more data and better thinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results from previous research suggest that there is a relatively small (albeit statistically significant) relationship between the externalizing behavior and academic skills of students with emotional disturbance (ED). Researchers have also found that the majority of these students have language deficits that hinder their academic performance. The purposes of this study were to investigate the mediating role of academic processing speed (i.e., academic fluency) on the relationship between: (a) The externalizing behavior and academic skills of K-12 students with ED; and (b) language skills and academic skills of students with ED. Results indicate that academic processing speed mediated the influence of both language skills and externalizing behavior on academic skills of this population. The findings, limitations, and implications were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of quality of life has been increasingly recognized in the field of special education. To date, however, there are no studies focusing exclusively on students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). This study examined quality of life differences between students with EBD and their nondisabled peers in four domains: (a) General quality of life; (b) Self; (c) Relationships; and (d) Environment. Additional analyses compared parent and adolescent ratings. Results indicated adolescents with EBD were significantly more dissatisfied with their quality of life in all domains than their non-EBD peers. No significant within group differences were found for gender or age; however, EBD students in self-contained schools rated self and environment significantly higher than their peers with EBD in public schools. Parents of adolescent with EBD rated their adolescent’s quality of life significantly lower than their adolescent did, while parents of non-EBD adolescents rated their adolescent’s quality of life as significantly higher than did their adolescents. This study has several implications for programming to improve the outcomes among this group of students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the academic, social, and behavioral performance of elementary and secondary students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) receiving services in a self-contained school for students with serious behavior problems, with an emphasis on how school adjustment and problem behavior patterns predict academic performance. Results revealed that elementary and secondary group scores were well below the 25th percentile on reading, math, and written expression measures. Further, a seven variable model representing academic, social, and behavioral domains was able to differentiate between age groups explaining 54% of the variance and correctly classifying 78.26% ( n = 18) of the elementary students and 84.21% ( n = 16) of the secondary students. Findings also suggested that behavioral variables (e.g., school adjustment, externalizing, and internalizing) were predictive of broad reading and broad written expression scores, with school adjustment (a protective factor) accounting for the most variance in the three-variable model. Limitations and recommendations for future research are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systematic transition planning through family involvement, service coordination, and community involvement is critical for achieving change for youth with emotional and behavioral disorders in residential treatment centers (RTCs). Sixty-two individuals (21 staff members, 21 parents, and 20 adolescents) from an RTC were interviewed regarding these practices. Results indicated that the RTC involved adolescents and parents in discharge planning, taught youth skills for success in the community, and facilitated community involvement. However, other areas needed improvement, such as communication between the residence and the adolescents’ home schools, more frequent and longer home visits, and aftercare services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this review was to report on the effectiveness and focus of academic self-management interventions for children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders. Twenty-two studies published in 20 articles and involving 78 participants met inclusionary criteria. The overall mean effect size (ES) across those studies was 1.80 (range –0.46 to 3.00), indicating effects were generally large in magnitude and educationally meaningful. Self-monitoring interventions were the predominant type of self-management technique used by researchers. The mean ES for intervention types were self-evaluation (1.13), self-monitoring (1.90), strategy instruction techniques (1.75), self-instruction techniques (2.71), and multiple-component interventions (2.11). Interventions targeted improvement in math calculation skills more than any other area. The mean ES by academic area were math interventions (1.97), writing (1.13), reading (2.28), and social studies (2.66). There was evidence to support a claim of the generalization and maintenance of findings. Implications, limitations, and areas for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Target four of the National Agenda for Achieving Better Outcomes for Children and Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance focuses on collaborating with families to improve service delivery and results for their children. Moving toward this goal has necessitated the continuation of a paradigm shift that brought out this target as an important one in the first place, and that has highlighted the difference between family-focused and family-driven approaches. We discuss the history of the paradigm shift, the progress that has been made toward this goal of making families full collaborative partners in the care of their children, the elements and examples of effective systems of care, and the distance still to traverse toward fully realizing the goal of this strategic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a synthetic review of research on school-based mental health services. Schools play an increasingly important role in providing mental health services to children, yet most school-based programs being provided have no evidence to support their impact. A computerized search of references published between 1985 and 1999 was used to identify studies of school-based mental health services for children. Study inclusion was determined by (i) use of randomized, quasi-experimental, or multiple baseline research design; (ii) inclusion of a control group; (iii) use of standardized outcome measures; and (iv) baseline and postintervention outcome assessment. The application of these criteria yielded a final sample of 47 studies on which this review is based. Results suggest that there are a strong group of school-based mental health programs that have evidence of impact across a range of emotional and behavioral problems. However, there were no programs that specifically targeted particular clinical syndromes. Important features of the implementation process that increase the probability of service sustainability and maintenance were identified. These include (i) consistent program implementation; (ii) inclusion of parents, teachers, or peers; (iii) use of multiple modalities; (iv) integration of program content into general classroom curriculum; and (v) developmentally appropriate program components. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Comprehensive Services Act for At Risk Youth and Families of Virginia (CSA), is a service, funding, and organizational reform initiative designed to improve the provision of child centered and family focused services within a community setting. We conducted this study in order to assess the feasibility of applying utilization management principles to the CSA in order to improve the appropriateness, quality, and cost effectiveness of this service delivery system. Data were gathered through focus groups, surveys, clinical profiling, and analysis of costs, and service utilization. While overall program costs increased since inception of the program, the costs per child served rose less than the rate of inflation. CSA appeared to be serving children with a high degree of emotional and behavioral difficulties. There was considerable variation among localities in placement patterns. A majority of survey and focus group respondents were willing to consider the application of utilization management principles to the CSA as long as decision making remained within localities. We concluded that there is a constructive role for utilization management approaches to improve the appropriateness and quality of services as well as enhancing efficiency in child mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic shift in the provision of mental health services to children, adolescents, and their families. This shift has been marked by a movement away from restrictive treatment options toward the development of comprehensive community-based systems of care designed to keep the most challenging children in their homes, schools, and communities. Based on a model of intensive case management referred to as Wraparound Care, Vermont's statewide approach emphasizes aggressive outreach, use of the least restrictive treatment options, and care that is flexible, unconditional and child- and family-centered. We chart the development of Vermont's Wraparound Care Initiative and present residential, educational, and behavioral outcome data for a cohort of 40 youth receiving Wraparound Care over a 12-month period. The results showed that after 12-months, youth who had been previously removed from their homes or were at imminent risk of such removal were residing in significantly less restrictive community-based living arrangements and exhibiting significantly fewer problem behaviors than at intake. These results are discussed in light of recent national studies and previous studies on similar cohorts of Vermont youth receiving Wraparound Care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of innovative community-based interventions is becoming a high priority for child and adolescent mental health service system research. The present study examined outcomes for a sample of Vermont children (N = 27) experiencing emotional and behavioral problems and receiving individualized, wraparound services. One year after initiation of wraparound care, incidence of negative behaviors rated as placing a child at risk of removal from the community had decreased significantly, compliance behavior had increased, and a significant decline in Total Problem Behavior scores on the Child Behavior Checklist was observed. In addition, though 70% of the participants had previously required inpatient or residential treatment, 89% were maintained in the community after one year of services, and the total cost of services was less than that of out-of-state residential care. Although further comparative research is needed, this study suggests that for many of these children, wraparound services may be a more efficient intervention than long-term psychiatric hospitalization or residential treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]