E BD

Emotional/Behavioral Disability

This is a condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects a child's educational performance: An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors.

• An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers.

• Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances.

• A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression.

• A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems.

*In Minnesota this disability is referred to as Emotional Behavioral Disorder (EBD).

Twin Lakes Positive Behavior Level System

The purpose of this web page is to inform parents, students, teachers, and administrators of the details regarding the Twin Lakes Positive Level System, which serves students with Emotional and or Behavioral Difficulties (E/BD). This level system can also be successful with students medically  diagnosed with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactive Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder when adapted to meet the student’s needs.

It is our intent to have the student and each member of their team be informed about the rules and expectations of our system. This will allow each person to fully participate in assisting the student in being successful.

It is important to note that our goal is to help students with E/BD shape their behavior to be acceptable at all times. We do this in several ways, but in general the E/BD staff attempt this by providing structure, supervision, and support to the students. The structure provides a framework that is clear and predictable. In other words, students know the rules and what is expected of them. This framework also provides the consistency that allows students to focus on meeting expectations, not on changing or breaking the rules.

The supervision provided means that students are monitored on a regular basis. This allows us to immediately reinforce positive behavior and to immediately attempt to redirect negative behaviors. The support provided to students with E/BD is vital. They often struggle with self-esteem issues and it is our job, along with others, to provide support and encouragement through the difficult times. It is also important that we provide support during times of success to insure continuation of these behaviors.

Over a period of time, there may be a need for less structure, supervision and support of the student with E/BD. This happens when the student has begun to internalize the new behaviors, to make them their own. Students who show appropriate behavior in a regular and consistent manner, over a variety of settings, will automatically progress through our Level System. When long-term success occurs, the student’s team may consider them for “graduation,” and they may, in fact, exit from E/BD services.

Please know that parents, teachers, administrators, and students are all part of the team working for the same goals. We, as teachers and staff, are delighted to be working with you and your child. We feel it is vitally important to have open and frequent communication to meet the needs of your child. We will be in contact often and please do not hesitate to contact us with questions, concerns, or to share some good news.

I can be reached at 241-3400 Ext. 6081. The best time to reach me is before school starts or after school is over for the day. If no one is available, please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible.

I look forward to a successful school year working with you and your child.