Emotional Disabilities 2015 New Special Education Directors Academy December 9, 2015 Wyndham Richmond Short Pump

History The term “emotional disturbance” was developed by Dr. Eli Bower. The term was adopted by Congress in 1975 with the passing of the Education For All Handicapped Children Act.

Emotional Disability means a condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects a child’s educational performance: (34 CFR 300.8(c) (4) An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors; An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers;

Emotional Disability In appropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances; A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression; or A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems includes schizophrenia. The term does not apply to children who are socially maladjusted, unless it is determined that they have an emotional disability.

Activity Define the following: Over a long period of time Marked degree Using the five characteristics used to define Emotional Disability, describe what each characteristic would look like.

Behavior Resources

Behavior Modules behavior modules available through TTAC – video models – Instruction – proficiency checks password required

Guidelines FBA/BIP Guidelines include: – Sample data collection – Examples – FBA Training ED Guidelines in progress

Resources c_resources/index.shtml c_resources/index.shtml sability_va.pdf sability_va.pdf

Ellen Harrison, M.Ed. Education Specialist, Emotional Disabilities