Which of the following student behaviors best fits the IDEA definition of emotional disturbance?

• A. A student who is frequently late to class due to transportation issues
• B. A student who consistently exhibits an inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers
• C. A student who occasionally forgets to complete homework assignments
• D. A student who prefers working independently and rarely participates in group activities

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the IDEA definition of emotional disturbance. According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), emotional disturbance includes conditions exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree: 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; or a tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems.
2. Step 2: Analyze each student behavior option in relation to the IDEA criteria. For example, being frequently late due to transportation is not related to emotional disturbance but rather an external factor.
3. Step 3: Identify behaviors that reflect emotional or interpersonal difficulties, such as consistent inability to build or maintain satisfactory relationships, which aligns directly with the IDEA definition.
4. Step 4: Exclude options that do not indicate emotional disturbance, such as occasional forgetfulness or preference for independent work, as these do not meet the criteria of a marked and long-term emotional condition.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the behavior best fitting the IDEA definition of emotional disturbance is the student who consistently exhibits an inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers.