For students at risk of emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), the classroom can be a challenging environment. Behavioral issues can hinder their academic and social development, leading to poor outcomes. However, early intervention strategies such as visual supports can make a significant difference in enhancing student engagement and reducing disruptive behaviors.
The Challenge of Engagement
Students who exhibit problem behaviors often struggle with engagement in classroom activities. This lack of engagement can start as early as preschool and persist into later school years, affecting their academic performance and social interactions. Research indicates that high levels of engagement are linked to developmental gains, while disengagement can lead to future academic challenges.
Early Intervention is Key
While early intervention is crucial for students with developmental disabilities, those at risk for EBD often receive less support. General education teachers may not have the training or resources to implement effective interventions, leading to inconsistent application of evidence-based practices.
The Role of Visual Supports
Visual supports are practical tools that help increase student engagement by providing clear expectations and structure within the classroom. These supports include visual activity schedules (VAS) and structured visuals (SV), which can be integrated into general education settings with minimal specialized training required for teachers.
Visual Activity Schedules (VAS)
VAS provide a sequence of activities or tasks using images or icons. They offer a clear outline of what is expected during a lesson or activity, helping students stay on track and reducing anxiety about transitions between tasks.
Structured Visuals (SV)
SVs include tools like work boxes or charts that organize tasks into manageable steps. These visuals make it easier for students to understand what they need to do, fostering independence and confidence in their abilities.
Evidence of Effectiveness
A study evaluating the use of social stories and visual supports found that while social stories were not effective in improving engagement for students at risk for EBD, visual supports showed significant promise. Students using visual supports demonstrated increased engagement compared to baseline conditions.
The success of visual supports lies in their ability to provide ongoing cues within the environment, unlike social stories which are read beforehand and may not offer the same level of ongoing guidance.
Implementing Visual Supports in the Classroom
- Start Small: Introduce visual supports gradually to allow students to adjust to new routines.
- Customize Supports: Tailor visuals to meet the specific needs of your students and classroom activities.
- Involve Students: Allow students to participate in creating or selecting visuals to increase buy-in and relevance.
- Train Staff: Provide training for all staff members on how to effectively use visual supports within the classroom setting.
The Future of Classroom Engagement
The implementation of visual supports represents a promising direction for enhancing engagement among students at risk for EBD. As educators become more familiar with these tools, they can create more inclusive environments that cater to diverse learning needs.
For more information on effective interventions and strategies, please follow this link.
