Identifying school children with behavior disorders.

Behavioral screening criteria were developed through the collaborative efforts of multidisciplinary professionals to enable teachers to identify school children with behavior disorders within the school setting. The criteria which were developed provide a step towards a practical means of implementing the legislative mandate of PL 94-142 in a medically and psychologically sound manner. An analysis of the criteria presented in the federal guidelines and working criteria proposed by experts in the field is presented. Increased liaison between professionals of all involved disciplines is encouraged for the identification, evaluation, treatment and placement of behavior disorder children. The background and process of developing the criteria is described.