ABSTRACT
There is no well-defined standard for normal behavior; therefore, adult perceptions of a child's challenging behavior become a major factor in how a school team and parents work together to solve behavior problems. This chapter explores important questions, whose answers form the foundation of the journey to school success: The perceptions of parents and professionals affect how children with challenging behaviors are perceived, defined, assessed, and addressed in school. It is for this reason that a positive school culture, emphasis on making data-driven decisions, and use of scientifically based methods are important for the school success of children with challenging behavior. School climate may be the single most important programmatic factor that contributes to school success, because the school culture is formed by staff perceptions. The perception of children, families, the local school, and the community are critical to the development of a positive school culture, and ultimately, critical to a meaningful education for a child.
