1. Emotionally Impaired (EI)
By: Heather Ronan and Caroline Slater

2. What is it?
Emotionally disturbed is a diagnostic term that describes a population of children who have behavioral or emotional issues so different from the general population that these behaviors seriously impact their ability to perform academically and socially interact with others in an acceptable manner.

3. Characteristics attention-getting behavior disruptive to others
low self-esteem
hyperactive
limited problem solving skills
insecure
poor impulse control
easily confused
defiance of authority figures
problems working in groups
low attention span
poor communication skills
minimal social interaction skills
poor conflict resolution
personal struggle to control self
can be immature
covers up emotions
can be aggressive

4. (4)the child appears depressed or generally unhappy
To be considered and classified emotionally disturbed, specific criteria must be met based on federal legislation which includes:
(1)the child has difficulty learning which is not associated with a health factor, cognitive ability, or sensory issues 
(2)the child has difficulty with his interpersonal relationships with classmates and adults
(3)the child demonstrates unusual types of behavior in normal circumstances
(4)the child appears  depressed or generally unhappy
(5) the child becomes physically ill or demonstrates fears associated with school. The classification of emotionally disturbed can only be made by a certified psychologist based on data collected over a period of time.

5. Accommodations present materials at an independent level
provide short & manageable tasks
set short-term expectations
repeat directions frequently
model activities
request student to demonstrate their understanding of the directions verbally

6. Accommodations cont’d…
present materials for a variety of learning styles (audio, visual, etc.)
provide mini-breaks between lessons
allow for peer tutoring
provide positive reinforcement
individualize work assignments
structure the classroom environment.

7. Helpful Hints Get to know your students Develop Classroom Rules
Watch out for triggers
Be Positive
Lean on your team

8. Kids Who Are Different
Kids Who Are Different Here's to the kids who are different, The kids who don't always get A's, The kids who have ears twice the size of their peers, And noses that go on for days... Here's to the kids who are different, The kids they call crazy or dumb, The kids who don't fit, with the guts and the grit, Who dance to a different drum... Here's to the kids who are different, The kids with the mischievous streak, For when they have grown, as history's shown, It's their difference that makes them unique! Digby Wolfe