A Model for coordination

This article argues that clear coordination structures are essential if collaboration around the complex needs of a small subcategory of seriously emotionally disturbed children and adolescents requiring multi-agency involvement is to be successful. A model of coordination which evolved out of a project conducted in the western suburbs of Melbourne during 1992-1993 is described. Although expensive to implement this model would be less costly than the current unsatisfactory situation where much time and effort is expended by a number of workers from a range of agencies, often for very little return.

Teacher Tolerance Ratings on Problem Behaviors

A modified 36-item version of the Disturbing Behavior Checklist was used to examine the dimension of frequency in teachers' judgments about willingness to tolerate inappropriate behaviors in regular classrooms. Two samples of clinical teachers were asked to respond to the scale developed to explore this dimension: teachers in regular classes judging for themselves and special education teachers predicting how the generality of regular teachers might respond. The two groups differed on only 4 of the 36 behaviors. Three additional questions about tolerance of the addition of seriously emotionally disturbed children to mainstream classes were posed and no significant differences between groups were found. It was concluded that teacher opinions on these questions are worthy of respect and that the dimension of frequency of behavioral disorders should be examined in subsequent research.

Effects of Self-Evaluation Training of Seriously Emotionally Disturbed Children on the Generalization of their Classroom Rule following and Work Behaviors across Settings and Teachers

Self-evaluation training was operationalized as a training package comprised of the following components: systematic contingent reinforcement intended to promote acceptable rates of appropriate behavior prior to the introduction of self-evaluation training procedures; self-evaluation, and procedures designed to promote accurate self-evaluation; tokens and back-up reinforcement; and teacher praise. Training was provided to a group of three seriously emotionally disturbed students, ages 9, 10, and 11, who received their education in an institutional setting. Then, in a multiple baseline design, subjects self-evaluated in their classroom to determine if generalization of high rates of appropriate behavior demonstrated in the training setting would occur. Data indicate that generalization to the classroom could be claimed for each of the three subjects.