Teaching and Working with Children who Have Emotional and Behavioral Challenges

Book excerpt: This guidebook is designed to help educators and others in their efforts to work with students with emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBD). Chapter 1 provides an overview of the needs and problems presented by such students. Chapter 2 contains basic information to help provide an enhanced understanding of students with EBD. Causes of emotional and behavioral problems, the educators role in identifying and referring students, documenting behaviors, cultural differences, drug therapy, and getting support from others are discussed. Chapter 3 contains strategies for structuring curriculum and instruction so that they have the most positive impact possible on student performance. The following chapter offers tips and ideas for strengthening classroom management practices. It also describes techniques to help educators interact with students in a manner that creates a positive and supportive classroom environment. Because of the success of instructional and classroom management programs can be enhanced by colleagues, families, and others, chapter 5 describes promising practices that many schools and districts now use to support classroom teachers and other instructional staff. The final chapter lists supplementary sources and contact information for relevant organizations. Appendices include federal regulations on the discipline of students with EBD and a glossary. (CR)