Emotional Disorders In Education

Emotional disorders have become an important topic in education with the development of ideas to help better support students both socially and academically. Students exhibiting emotional disorders have a wide range of behavioral traits and personal characteristics. Although these students are unique, they exhibit similar emotional characteristics that place them under the “umbrella of emotional disturbance”. Students with emotional disturbance can be described as socially withdrawn. They may find it difficult to interact with peers, faculty, and even family members. Some students may have difficulty learning but do not exhibit signs of intellectual, sensory, or health disorders. In “normal, everyday” situations, students with emotional disturbance …show more content…
Depending on the student’s symptoms, special education benefits may be available through their school. With this help, students will have access to resources that support their academic strengths and weaknesses. More focus is placed in areas where they may not necessarily excel as well as other students. Emphasis is also placed on their social behavior among their fellow peers and the faculty. Schools are encouraged to practice PBS, positive behavior support, developed by researchers to minimize behavioral disputes and encourage positive and rational behavior during various situations. An individual plan, called an IEP, Individualized Education Program, can be developed to meet the individual student’s needs. Other psychological services are available on campus as well, such as counselors, nurses, and various other qualified personnel. …show more content…
These models will remind and encourage their students to participate in positive behavior changes and encourage them to support one another. (Mastropieri and Scruggs) A focus needs to be placed in encouraging students to view one another as equals. Singling out students with emotional disorders will not better include them socially and academically into the classroom. Other measures can be taken such as involving students in life skills classes. These classes focus on daily living and overcoming intellectual and physical obstacles. Encouraging students to participate in these classes daily will help to develop healthy social habits. The Appraisal Review and Dismissal, ARD, meetings will be held to develop academic and social goals and accommodations. An advocate certified in special education will be assigned to an individual student to verify that the plans discussed in the ARD meetings are being followed. Home visits may also be advised by this advocate or other certified personnel to promote reinforcement of the goals set by the ARD committee. In the classroom, teachers are encouraged to also meet the specifications discussed in the ARD meetings. Students with emotional disturbance are encouraged to be interactive in the classroom by participating in group and partner activities. Two specific activities have been developed to better