Which type of disorders involves students being viewed as hostile and unable to follow rules?

The identification of Externalizing Behavior Disorders aligns perfectly with the described characteristics of students viewed as hostile and unable to follow rules. These disorders often manifest in observable behaviors such as aggression, defiance, and a tendency to disrupt environments - leading to their classification. Students with externalizing disorders frequently exhibit challenges with authority figures and may struggle to adhere to rules and norms, which can create a perception of hostility in social situations.

In contrast, Learning Disabilities primarily affect how students process information, impacting academic performance without inherently involving aggression or rule-breaking behaviors. Internalizing Behavior Disorders, on the other hand, typically manifest as withdrawal, anxiety, and depression, which do not coincide with the outwardly defiant behaviors described. Mental Retardation, now more appropriately referred to as Intellectual Disability, pertains to cognitive functioning and does not relate directly to behavior in the context of hostility or rule-following issues.

Thus, the focus on external behaviors in students who are perceived as hostile and rule-breaking firmly positions Externalizing Behavior Disorders as the correct answer for this question.