Toward the integration of education and school-based behavioural supports: the B.E.S.T. program in northern Nova Scotia

Abstract

Emotional behavioural disorders (EBD) in school-aged children are significant and serious issues affecting a global population. This study is an examination of the Behavioural Education Support and Training Program (B.E.S.T.), a school-based program centered on psychosocial rehabilitation for children with EBD. The program is based in eight elementary schools across the Chignecto Central Regional School Board (CCRSB) in Northern Nova Scotia. Historical quantitative data were utilized to analyze students’ emotional and behavioural functioning in classrooms, playground, cafeteria, and/or related environments within each school. The study results expand upon existing descriptive and quasi-experimental studies that demonstrated the importance of longitudinal intervention, the effectiveness of integrated therapy, and progressive change in educational systems. The study data showed that school-based intervention for children with EBD has positive results for decreasing behavioural dysfunction.