Reading Interventions for Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders

Abstract

Although children with emotional or behavioral disorders (E/BD) demonstrate significant difficulties in reading, little research has addressed the efficacy of reading interventions with this population. This study began with a review of literature published since 1975 regarding reading interventions with elementary school students with E/BD. Because only eight publications were found that met their selection criteria, the authors conducted a focus group with teachers of students with E/BD. Among the themes voiced by teachers were the emotional variability of their students, fear of failure and trust issues, and the ensuing challenges of motivating students. Both the literature review and the focus group indicated that cross-age tutoring and direct or explicit instruction may hold some promise for students with E/BD. However, neither the review nor the focus group revealed specific instructional procedures that are helpful with these students. The lack of a knowledge base in this area is particularly disturbing given the current priority placed on early reading, the push toward inclusion, and the requirement of access to the general education curriculum for students with E/BD.