Study Shows Early Intervention Can Avert Spec. Ed. Needs

By Joetta L. Sack

Washington

Using intervention strategies in early childhood is critical to preventing behavior problems and the need for special education services later, results released last week from a 25-year study on disruptive toddlers show.

The Department of Education, which has long promoted positive methods of addressing the misbehavior of troubled youngsters, held a one-day conference here that brought together representatives from school groups and researchers to discuss ways of preventing classroom disruptions.

The department showcased research from the study of preschoolers, as well as programs supported by the Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports at the University of Oregon, to make the case that a long-term strategy employing a positive approach— teaching a child correct behavior and rewarding him for it—works much better than referrals to administrators, suspensions, or other punishments. ( "An Ounce of Prevention," ...