Why emotional disturbance, a special ed category, is a double-edged sword for students
The 'emotional disturbance' or 'emotional or behavioral disorders' (EBD) label in special education can provide support for students like Walter, but it also risks limiting their choices and separating them from peers. Walter, a 19-year-old student, has been labeled EBD since elementary school and has spent most of his K-12 education in separate classrooms.
Walter, a 19-year-old student from Minneapolis, has been labeled with emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD) since elementary school. The EBD label is used for students who need special education services due to struggles with emotions or behaviors. Walter's turbulent home life and aggressive behavior led to him being sent to a high-security public school. He spent most of his K-12 education in separate classrooms with other students labeled EBD. At Central Senior High School in St. Paul, Walter was in a class taught by Jesse Kwakenat, a veteran teacher for students with the EBD label. The EBD label can provide support, but it may also limit students' choices and separate them from their peers.
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