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Developmental Therapy-Teaching (DTT) is a well-researched guide for teachers, mental health professionals, and parents concerned about the education and development of children and youth from early childhood through the teen years. In this approach, theories about learning, emotions, personality, behavior, and mental health are translated into practical classroom applications to meet national standards for improving educational outcomes for all children.
With strategic developmental goals, objectives, instructional methods, and management strategies, DTT teaches social, emotional, and behavioral competencies that are necessary for today's young people to be successful. It also describes the skills adults must have to be effective with DTT, and it offers them ways to gain proficiency through independent practice and self-directed study.
The DTT emphasis is on increasing students' social, emotional, and behavioral competencies, especially for those with
- Troubled or troubling behavior
- Lacking social competencies
- Emotionally immature
- At risk
- Difficult or disruptive behavior
- Autism or Asperger Syndrome
- Other sensory-integrative disorders
- With special needs for Tier 1, 2, or 3 interventions
Where is DTT used?
...in natural environments and service settings
- Special education: Tier 1, 2, and 3 interventions
- Regular classrooms
- Alternative schools
- After school programs
- Early childhood programs
- Childcare, preK, Head Start
- Residential facilities
- Mental health services
- Home
Why does DTT emphasize social-emotional competence for these students?
To be successful in school, students need
- To belong
- To master skills
- To develop independence
- To be caring, altruistic, empathetic, and generous
- To take personal responsibility for words and actions
These social-emotional qualities develop gradually from many interwoven strands in the fabric of an individual personality...
- Cognitive development
- Physical health
- Emotional health
- Values
- Relationships with adults
- Relationships with peers
Such characteristics develop in ways that can be helpful or destructive. When development is smooth, we have a healthy, well- adjusted child or teen who can focus attention on learning. But there are times when these processes somehow get off track; the outward sign is troubled or troubling behavior - a significant detriment to learning.
DTT addresses development in all of these areas and provides links to appropriate instructional goals and objectives, sequentially planned curriculum and lessons, emotionally secure learning environments, and positive, success-oriented behavior management.
To read more about how DTT addresses these needs, go to the tab, DTT Content.
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