Emotional & Behavioral Needs in Students November 8, 2011 LARRY SCOTT School Psychologist

Characteristics of Students with Emotional & Behavioral Needs More likely to have disciplinary problems, low grades, poor attendance, & run-ins with the law About 10% of students cause 90% of disciplinary problems Have difficulty building & maintaining relationships- TRUST Prone to disorganization and poor work completion Sensitive to reprimands & being held accountable- usually leads to more resistance Behavior- internal & external control

Factors Influencing Behavior Student Characteristics Peer Influence Teaching Style Classroom Practices Family Issues Cognitive and Academic Functioning Emotional Functioning Mental Health Needs MEDIA Sleep

Meaning of Behavior All behavior serves a function or purpose. All behavior functions within a system – environment, setting, or situation. Environmental/situational factors create and maintain problem behavior. By changing environmental factors and responses to behavior, it is believed that problem behavior can be replaced with pro- social behavior. Control (Internal & External)

Picture Yourself and Your Own Behavior Do I behave differently in certain situations and settings? Do I perform better in certain situations and settings?

Target Behaviors Specifically identify two of the most problematic behaviors that you want to change. Must be well-defined, observable, and measurable. Be objective and avoid opinion statements and personal feelings. The “stranger test” Ex. – Johnny is violent (vs.) Johnny punches, kicks, throws objects, bites, destroys objects, spits…)

ABC’s of Problem Behavior A ntecedents to behavior – triggers, type of setting/situation B ehavior C onsequence to behavior – not always negative and punitive.

Function of Behavior Escape/Avoidance Attention/Control Sensory/Perceptual Gain Desired Item, Activity, Area CONTROL

Important Behavioral Terms Positive Reinforcement: A response to behavior that increases expected/positive behavior. Negative Reinforcement: A response to behavior that increases negative behavior. Punishment: A response to behavior that decreases negative behavior.

Barriers to Punishment Long-term punishment leads to negative attitudes toward school, poor attendance / work performance, and negative perception of teachers Never punish for behavior that a student can’t help or has limited or no control over Positive techniques alone can improve behavior Punishment such as isolation/seclusion (i.e. time- out) should be used as last resort

Effective Punishment Pair with positive reinforcement Reduction or loss of privileges Implemented in way that instruction is not missed (i.e. lunch detention, time away in classroom) Serve extra time Allow student to help determine punishment Response Cost Restitution MUST be MEANINGFUL to student

Challenges to Changing Behavior Poor collaboration and follow through from home. Poor collaboration and follow through with community- based professionals. Severe mental illness that is untreated or mistreated. Substance abuse and illegal activity. Resistance to trust

Internalizing & Externalizing Problems Internalizing Problems: high anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, poor self- identity, socially awkward Externalizing Problems: hyperactivity, aggression, conduct problems, disruptive, defiant

Approach to Students with Emotional & Behavioral Needs Incentives: Earning positive social experience Good Behavior Sports Club Connections Program Engaging parents Community support Activity & Exercise Yoga & Meditation