Behavior Problems

National Association of State Directors of Special Education,1800 Diagonal Road, Suite

320, Alexandria, VA 22314.Web site: www.nasdse.org/forum.htm

There is more and more talk today about the chronic behavior problems of students in our

schools. Some of these students have disabilities, some do not. Each student needs and deserves help in learning how to behave both in school and outside of school. NICHCY research brief is meant to help schools answer the question, what does the research tell us about promising interventions for students with a history of behavior problems? It is important to know that there is a tremendous body of research available on this subject covering a wide variety of students, situations, and settings.
When you look at the research on behavior interventions, you are immediately struck by the number and complexity of issues involved. Problem behavior is obvious. The reasons for it usually are not. That is why it is important for schools to investigate why the student has exhibited a challenging behavior. When more is known about the cause or causes of the student's behavior, then the right interventions can be identified and provided.
This Research Brief will help by reviewing programs designed to prevent problem behaviors from recurring among children and adolescents with chronic antisocial behavior. Most of this research will apply to students with lesser behavior problems as well. Take a look at what is known listed:
    • using effective classroom management and teaching strategies
    • making instructional and curricular adaptations
    • teaching social problem-solving skills
    • implementing school wide and district wide programs to teach norms about behavior
    • providing parent management training and family therapy
    • promoting home and school collaboration
    • using alternative education programs or schools
    • providing individual counseling
    • using peer counseling and peer-led interventions...