Equipping Students’ Minds with a Cognitive Training Program for Preventing School Violence

Abstract

This chapter discusses the impact that cognitive deficits have on academic frustration which leads to an increase in distributive and violent behavior in the classroom. Specifically, there are a disproportionate number of learners who are served under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) who are referred to law enforcement, restrained, suspended, drop out, expelled, and are bullied. Equipping Minds Cognitive Development Curriculum (EMCDC) is a cognitive training program that has demonstrated improvement in academic skills, executive functioning skills, fluid reasoning skills, and verbal skills in students with neurodevelopmental disorders. By equipping schools to increase cognitive abilities and facilitate academic success, frustration in the classroom will be decreased resulting in a reduction of violent behaviors and provide a safe learning environment.