Emotional disturbance student and discipline?

Question

If a student with adhd and depression is receiviing special education at school walks out of classroom to "cool off" should he be disciplined? The school uses a demerit system for all students. He is comstantly getting demerits for not stayiing on task, forgetting materials, and walking out of class to cool off when he gets upset. After receiving certain nymber of demerits he recieves in scool suspension. Do yo feel these actions are a manifestation of his disabiity and what should be done to prevent him from being punished for this? the school is xery uncooperative. THEY PUT ALL THE FOCUS ON BAD BEHAVIOR AND NOT ON GOOD BEHAVIOR. 5 NEED GUIDANCE! He is 14 years old and wnts to do well however some things are beyond his control. What do yu suggest?

Answer 1

it is a mission of psychology

Answer 2

I suggest and FBA and BIP and potentially finding an advocate if you find the district is not cooperative.

If a disabled youngster exhibits inappropriate behavior that

      -interferes with the education of self or others, or

      -prevents the teacher from teaching,

               the IEP team must address the problem.

-Behavioral concerns must be addressed in several places in the student's IEP document:

      -present levels of educational performance

      -goals and objectives

      -services, modifications, and supports

      -criteria for assessing progress

-A "behavioral intervention plan" (BIP) is to be attached to the IEP.

-?What's a "BIP"?

     -no guidance is provided in the law (or the regulations that explain the law)

     -the form of the BIP is left up to the discretion of state/local officials

            (if they wish to designate a specific format)

     -the BIP must include positive interventions (not just better ways to punish)

     -the BIP should be based on a "functional behavioral assessment" (FBA)



Click here to go the the page concerning how to conduct an FBA

-Either before or within 10 days of disciplinary action by the school administration:

    -An existing BIP must be revised (because it obviously ain't workin').

     -If a BIP does not yet exist, an IEP team (also known in some places as the student

            support team, school based support team, committee on special education, etc.)

            meeting must convene to develop an assessment plan.



-In both of the above cases, if the student is being sent to IAES ("Interim alternative

        educational setting"...for up to 45 days), the IEP team must assure that the behavior

        that resulted in this action is addressed in the IAES setting.

Answer 3

They should be thankful he leaves and doesn't blow up in anger or retaliation.

An IEP meeting needs to be called, because the demerit system is not appropriate for this child's individual education needs...which is illegal under IDEA.

The school is obviously not providing the supports he needs to be successful, and it's nauseating that they can do that and then punish him for his disability. It'd be like punishing a child in a wheel chair for not being able to run laps in PE.

Answer 4

you'll have to talk to the principal and see what he or she suggests. you may have to hint about legal action to get them to do anything. and you need to tell him "cooling off" should only be for emergencies. maybe you already did? is he getting any therapy? he probably needs help to be able to be mainstream. I have a 9 year old boy with the same problems, so I know where you are coming from.

Answer 5

I read an answer suggesting a talk with the principal at the school. I agree, and would do more talking than listening. I work as a behavioral therapist and highly recommend that the principal be contacted and a meeting conducted to consider the possibilities of a positive reinforcement schedule rather than a demerit schedule in his case. All of the research indicates that children and adults alike are much more likely to repeat "good" behaviors if they are rewarded.

I would suggest if the school is uncooperative that you get your foot in the door at a higher level and get in contact with administrators at the school district level. It is there job to provide a whole and good education to ALL students, not just typical kids who find it easy to sit through 7 hours of school.

Another suggestion I have is to consider speaking with his teachers after school hours some day to ask them if they would be able to reinforce him when they catch him doing something acceptable. I wouldn't suggest, because of his age, that the teacher do it during class. Rather pull him aside and thank him for some great deed he did in class. (i.e. he stayed on task and remembered his homework, the teacher afterwards should tell him how appreciative they are of his effort to try)

ADHD is a difficult behavior, I commend this boy for having the know how to leave the class room when he gets upset.

I think if the school is unwilling, a move should be considered. All the school districts in your area have the obligation to ensure an education for your child. If you feel he or she is not receiving it, tell someone. Be loud, use your voice, be a concerned parent. That is how things happen. Good luck, and I hope this helps.

Answer 6

I think that's the wrong school for him then.  I think it's better for a student to be able to walk out and "cool off" as you say as opposed to flipping out on his fellow classmates and/or teacher.  I say he looks into a new school where his needs are more understood.