This study investigated classroom dynamics and young children identified as at risk for the development of serious emotional disturbance (SED) as compared to not-at-risk peers. Assessment of classroom dynamics included teacher (attitudes and perceptions), student (academic engagement and perceptions of teacher's expectations), and instructional factors (accommodations for at-risk students), as well as classroom interactions (teacher-student and peer). Results indicated that young children identified as at risk for the development of SED but not yet labeled by the school were experiencing a significantly different reality in the classroom than not-at-risk peers. Implications for effective classroom interventions for these young at-risk children include collaborative/consultation teacher models, task modifications, direct instruction, and cooperative learning and peer tutor programs.
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