Just a note to readers that a new little paper back (about 160 pages) that I authored with Rick Brigham (now of George Mason University) will be available before long. It might be used as a text in teacher education (special or general education) or as a resource by parents or anyone who works with children with emotional or behavioral problems. The reference is:
Kauffman, J. M., & Brigham, F.J. (in press). Working with troubled children . Verona, WI: Attainment.
It’s now available in an Advance Reader’s Edition (bound but uncorrected proofs), and we expect it’ll be available in final form in early spring. You may find Attainment Company at http://www.attainmentcompany.com/xcart/home.php . Here’s a Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 Recognizing Early Signs of Behavior Problems: An Overview of Early Intervention and Prevention
Cases in Point
Nathan
Pauline
Larry
Typical Responses to Early Signs of Behavior Problems
Understanding Normal Development and Differences
The Concept of Normal
Differences That Are Not Normal
Definitions of Disorders for Special Education
General Guidelines for Judging Signs of Behavior Problems
Signs of Problems in Infancy
Signs of Problems in Toddlerhood
Signs of Problems in the Early School Years
Signs of Problems in Middle Childhood
Signs of Problems in Adolescence
The Need for Early, Accurate Labels
The Dimensions of Early Intervention and Prevention
Summary
Chapter 2 Understanding Causes
Cases in Point
Mark
Tommy
Increasing and Decreasing Risk
Major Causal Factors
Biological Factors
Genes
Temperament
Brain Malfunction
Other Health-Related Issues
Family Factors
Family Definition and Structure, Including Substitute Parents
Family Interactions
School Factors
Insensitivity to Individuality
Inappropriate Expectations
Inconsistent Management
Instruction in Nonfunctional or Irrelevant Skills Ineffective Instruction in Critical Skills
Undesirable Models
Destructive Contingencies
Social and Cultural Factors
Mass Media: Television, Movies, and Music
Peers
Neighborhood and Urbanization
Ethnicity, Social Class, and Poverty
Summary
Chapter 3 The Dilemma of Early Identification: To Identify or Not to Identify
Cases in Point
Esther P. Rothman
Edith
True and False Identification: Trying to Get Labels Right
At-Risk and Response to Intervention: What Do They Mean?
The “At-Risk” Label
Meanings of Response to Intervention
What’s the Problem? A Caution
Spoiled Identity: Dealing with Pride and Prejudice
Expectations: Setting Them Not Too High and Not Too Low
Social Rejection and Isolation: Facilitating Peer Affiliation
Going From Bad to Worse: Facing The Ultimate Horror
Summary
Chapter 4 Why Responding to Trouble Immediately Is Important
Cases in Point
Dean
Larissa
Behavior Change Is Easier
Chances for Better Life Outcomes Are Enhanced
Academic Progress Is More Likely
Social Acceptance Among Helpful Peers Is Possible
Summary
Chapter 5 General Ideas for Making Things Better
Cases in Point
Derrick
Joshua
A Class That Is Separate and Better
The Centrality of Effective Instruction
The Help of School-Wide Discipline
The Usefulness of Structure and Routine
A Focus on the Positive in Behavior and Consequences
The Importance of Clear Communication
Why Consistent Follow-Through Is Essential
Understanding Cycles of Behavior and Implications for Prevention
Seeing the Cycle or Pattern
Responding Effectively to the Stage or Level
Anticipating the Next Level or Stage
The Use and Abuse of Medication
Summary
Chapter 6 Using Incentives Intelligently
Cases in Point
Rewards Versus Bribes
Andy
Try the Simplest Things First
Telling
Showing Examples
What to Use as Rewards
How to Use Rewards
Getting Started and Moving On
Being As Good As Your Word: Follow-Through
Thinking About Our Fears and Struggles
Summary
Chapter 7 Using Deterrents Deftly
Cases in Point
A Boy with Behavior Problems
Eddie
Commentaries on Punishment
The Necessity of Punishment
Punishment As Part of Teaching
Self-Perception
Keeping Punishment Nonviolent and Matter-of-Fact
Uses and Abuses of Time Out
Exceptions and Evidence Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Making Punishment Consistent, Informative, and Instructive
Making Punishment Stick: Follow-Through
Summary
Chapter 8 Finding Help
Parents as Sources of Support
Working with Consultants
Finding Help in the Literature
Summary
Congratulations! I look forward to reading this.
This book is very helpful to parents who have troubled teens so that they would know how to handle them better.