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K-State Today

February 15, 2018

K-State faculty assume leadership role in new publication for special needs practitioners

Submitted by Patrice L. Scott

ReThinking Behavior Disorders

K-State special education faculty members are a driving force behind the creation of an online publication designed to bridge the gap between academia and practitioners. The feature articles offer candid accounts of working with special needs students demonstrating what worked and more importantly, what didn't. 

The second edition of "ReThinking Behavioral Disorders" was recently released online with James Teagarden, associate professor of special education, serving as lead editor. The publication was conceived by members of the Midwest Symposium for Leadership for Behavior Disorders, or MSLBD, with the goal of providing practitioners with relevant examples and strategies to address their students' needs. 

"Recent discussions at MSLBD have centered on the need to better engage and support special education practitioners in the field versus our tendency as faculty to communicate amongst our colleagues," Teagarden said. "ReThinking Behavioral Disorders" is particularly focused on sharing stories that will provide relevant examples and arm practitioners with tried-and-true strategies." 

Teagarden and colleague Marilyn Kaff, associate professor of special education, co-authored an article about MSLBD member Rich Simpson establishing the Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training.   

Jessica Nelson, instructor, authored "Three-Inch Stilettos and Cowboy Boots," a feature article detailing her most memorable student. Spoiler alert: the cowboy boots win. 

For more information or to subscribe to "ReThinking Behavioral Disorders," please visit mslbd.org. The third issue is slated for release in April. 

"ReThinking Behavioral Disorders" is the latest generation of publications produced by MSLBD and co-branded off of the flagship "Behavioral Disorders," which is geared toward academicians.