Understanding Individual Differences in Children

School professionals rely heavily on normative frames of reference for the identification and classification of children with academic or behavior problems. Understanding individual differences is necessary for optimal conceptualization and explanation of school-related difficulties, as well as for effective planning and evaluation of individualized school-based interventions. This book describes variability within a bio-ecological model of human development. The role of genetics and biological functioning is mediated by social contexts and the family environment to influence variability in different domains of psychological functioning (viz., cognitive, social-emotional, and behavioral). The book describes how individual differences interact with specific situations, leading to outcomes in educationally relevant behaviors, such as achievement, self-esteem, motivation and peer relations.