Teacher Reports on Perceptions and Response Strategies for Verbal Aggression Among Students With Emotional/Behavior Disorders

• In Event: Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Current Topics in Special Education Poster Session

Abstract

For students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), acts of verbal aggression (VA) are particularly problematic. Special education certification provides the knowledge and skills to respond to student learning/behavior problems, yet teachers of students with EBD are the most likely to be un-certified. We surveyed 279 teachers of students with EBD to assess how certification relates to responsiveness to VA. Compared to non-certified teachers, certified teachers reported more use of a structured intervention/curriculum to teach students how to respond to acts of VA. We discuss the implications of the study for the field of EBD and offer suggestions for further research.

Authors

• Stephen W. Smith, University of Florida

• Daniel V Poling, University of Florida

• Sherry Zhou, University of Florida

• Megan Worth, University of Florida

• Gregory S. Taylor, Dayton Public Schools