The Continuing Evolution of a Science for Students With Behavioral Disorders: Who, What, When, Where, and How

Abstract

Teachers report that students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) present challenges that are among the greatest they face on a daily basis. Research, however, clearly shows that teachers routinely receive little or no training in how to effectively work with students with challenging behaviors. This is particularly frustrating when considering the advances that have been made in the effective treatment of misbehavior. This article summarizes the evolution of a science for students with EBD in the context of the following questions: (a) Who is the subject of the science? (b) What intervention strategies yield the best results? (c) When should practitioners intervene? (d) Where is the least restrictive environment for students with EBD? and (e) How can schools best manage and implement the various components of successful interventions? A discussion of predictions and concerns for the future is provided to end the article.