SCOE educational programs for students with emotional challenges focus on providing emotional and behavioral support while helping them develop academic skills, social skills, self-awareness, self-control, and self-esteem.
The causes of emotional challenges have not been definitively determined. While factors such as heredity, brain differences, diet, stress, and family dynamics have been considered possible contributors, research has not identified any of these factors as a consistent and direct cause of behavioral or emotional difficulties.
Some characteristics and behaviors that may be observed in students with emotional challenges include:
- Hyperactivity (e.g., short attention span, impulsiveness)
- Aggression or self-injurious behaviors (e.g., acting out, physical confrontations)
- Withdrawal (e.g., difficulty initiating or maintaining social interactions, excessive fear or anxiety)
- Immature behaviors (e.g., inappropriate crying, temper tantrums, difficulty with coping)
- Learning challenges (e.g., performing below grade level due to emotional factors)