Episode 7: Students with Emotional & Behavioral Disorders, SEL, and Academic Growth

Education Rx

Within public education, there is a classification of "Affective Education," or students with emotional & behavioral disorders. These students may have mental health issues, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism, or other diagnoses that include an emotional/behavioral element. This population of students may have average to above average academic skills, but they are sidelined by their struggles with managing the classroom environment, emotional regulation, and/or social interactions. It is not uncommon for these students to be overlooked when we are talking about the impact of virtual learning or social emotional learning because we may not see how this additional layer of complexity is directly impacting them and their educational experience.

In this episode, we talk with 3 seasoned educators who work directly with students who fall within this category. Celeste Dunlap, an elementary special education teacher who specializes in working with students with emotional & behavioral disorders. Ryan Montgomery, who has worked as an educational assistant/paraprofessional and teacher for secondary students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Lastly, Elyssa Clark, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who works with students with emotional and behavioral disorders of all ages in schools, community, and home settings. They share their professional experiences and insights on the ways that CoVid has impacted this population students.

Celeste gives a clear, simplified explanation of what "Social Emotional Learning" IS, and what it is NOT.

"How bad can it be?" you may ask. After participating in virtual learning, many of these students are struggling with in person classroom expectations: rolling around on the floor in the middle of a lesson. Leaving the classroom without warning. Celeste, Ryan and Elyssa share how these students are demonstrating that they experienced trauma during CoVid. How we ALL experienced a collective trauma. And how education is impacted by the fallout.

As test scores nationwide indicate the devastating impact of CoVid, these scores also tell us that current methodology is proving ineffective. Is it time to consider non-traditional ideas and methods as options? If what we are doing is NOT working, maybe it is reasonable to consider ideas that outside of the box. Should we entertain the idea of lowering expectations and finding a baseline that ensures engagement and success for all students; then "scaffold" expectations (and academic activities) to increase skill over time?

Listen in to this episode to hear where we are and creative concepts that may help move this population of students forward successfully.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, and would like help, please reach out to nami.org or dial 988 to access support