Day and residential schools: Program characteristics and entrance and exit policies

Date

2005

Authors

Gagnon, Joseph Calvin
Leone, Peter E.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Remedial & Special Education

Abstract

Limited information exists about treatment programs for children with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) in the elementary grades. This national study provides a description of first through sixth grade day treatment and residential schools for students with EBD in two areas: (a) characteristics of schools (e.g., philosophy, accreditation, length of school year); and (b) current school-level entrance and exit policies. A random sample of 480 principals from public and private day treatment and residential schools were mailed a survey. A total of 271 (56.45%) principals responded. Results indicated that schools relied on a behavioral philosophy, maintained a balance between education and therapeutic issues, and were commonly accredited by state departments of education. Additionally, few schools had specific policies related to follow-up of students after discharge. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Description

Keywords

Emotional disturbance, Program characteristics, Entrance and exit policies, Day treatment and residential

Citation

Gagnon & Leone (2005)