Many specific strategies are available to educators to help troubled students. However, early intervention is by far the most important predictor for success. Experts agree that if comprehensive intervention is not provided by Grade 3 or 4, success in ameliorating aggression is unlikely. Intervention depends on many factors including the goals of the intervention. A universal screening procedure can detect signs of antisocial behavior.
Primary prevention aims at keeping problems from emerging.
First Step to Success and other commercially available curriculums can be used to divert antisocial young children from a path leading to adjustment problems. Secondary prevention requires individually tailored interventions applied to students who show at risk status. The Second Step is an example of a commercially available curriculum designed for these students. It is applied to the most severely at-risk students. Sadly, today's educators need to be ready for acts of violence and aggression.