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  • Author:

    Stephen Brock Ph.D., NCSP, LEP

  • Level: 

    Intermediate

  • CREDIT(S):

    3

  • Video:

    3 hours 7 minutes

Application of Emotional Disturbance Criteria for School Psychologists

Dr. Stephen E. Brock’s presentation provides clarity on how school psychologists apply IDEA criteria for Emotional Disturbance (ED), emphasizing the distinction between educational eligibility and clinical diagnosis. He outlines the three required elements: emotional condition, qualifying characteristics, and limiting criteria, and stresses the importance of accurate assessment, legal context, and intervention planning to ensure appropriate identification and support.

Course Objectives:

1. Understand the federal IDEA definition, criteria, and issues associated with Emotional Disturbance (ED) eligibility, including how it differs from clinical mental health diagnoses
2. Recognize and apply the three essential elements that IEP teams must address when making ED eligibility decisions:
3. Specify and evaluate IDEA's three limiting criteria and recognize who are the ultimate authorities in determining whether these criteria are met

Stephen Brock Ph.D., NCSP, LEP

Stephen Brock Ph.D., NCSP, LEP is Professor Emeritus of School Psychology in the College of Education at California State University, Sacramento. His professional preparation includes undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology and a PhD in Education with an emphasis on psychological studies from the University of California, Davis, where he researched Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Dr. Brock brings extensive practical experience to his teaching, having spent 18 years as a school psychologist with the Lodi Unified School District, including six years as lead psychologist. His responsibilities included serving multiple elementary and middle schools, contributing to the development of the district's school crisis response protocol, and specializing in functional behavior assessment.
Dr. Brock has held leadership positions at both state and national levels in school psychology organizations and is a sought-after presenter on topics including emotional disturbance criteria, crisis intervention, and threat assessment. His expertise in ED eligibility determination has made this one of his most popular professional development presentations, particularly in the post-COVID era when schools have seen increased mental health challenges among students.

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Psyched to Practice, LLC, is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Psyched to Practice, LLC, maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 
Psyched to Practice, LLC, is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) to offer continuing professional development (CPDs) for school psychologists. Psyched to Practice, LLC, maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 
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