Classroom Dynamics and the Development of Serious Emotional Disturbance

This study investigated classroom dynamics and young children identified as at risk for the development of serious emotional disturbance (SED) as compared to not-at-risk peers. Assessment of classroom dynamics included teacher (attitudes and perceptions), student (academic engagement and perceptions of teacher's expectations), and instructional factors (accommodations for at-risk students), as well as classroom interactions (teacher-student and peer). Results indicated that young children identified as at risk for the development of SED but not yet labeled by the school were experiencing a significantly different reality in the classroom than not-at-risk peers. Implications for effective classroom interventions for these young at-risk children include collaborative/consultation teacher models, task modifications, direct instruction, and cooperative learning and peer tutor programs.