After reviewing the federal definition of the criteria for emotional disturbance (ED), this workshop will examine the causes of, and begin to identify solutions for, the problem of disproportionality. In addition to considering the social maladjustment exclusion, it is hoped that by carefully dissecting the ED eligibility criteria, participants will improve their ability to assist IEP teams in making this eligibility determination.

Workshop Objectives:

This session will help participants

1. understand the Federal (IDEA) definition of/criteria for ED (and associated definitions of social maladjustment);
2. consider the causes of, and begin to identify solutions to, the problem of disproportionality; and
3. conduct ED eligibility evaluations (including having a better understanding of the social maladjustment exclusion).

Prerequisite Knowledge

Basic knowledge of emotional disturbance eligibility criteria.

Practical Tools

From this session participants will gain a more complete understanding of emotional disturbance eligibility criteria and how to address the problem of disproportionality.