Problems and Promises in Special Education and Related Services for Children and Youth with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders

Abstract

Recent critiques of special education combined with pressure for school reform may result in effective strategies and programs for students with emotional and behavioral disorders being overlooked in the press in favor of new approaches and radical restructuring. Using current data, members of the group examined several major problems confronting special education for such students. To prevent elimination of beneficial strategies, members together identified successful practices and programs that are available for use with these students. Then explored were factors that probably contribute to continuation of inadequate practices and recommendations were developed for improving educational practice, policy, research, and professional preparation. Group members believe that if the benefits of special education are to be extended to children and youth with emotional or behavioral disorders, reform efforts must incorporate these recommendations.

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