Education & Teaching Developing Unique Behavior Policies Discussion – Description
Discussion Question #1: Special Education Suspension
Discuss the difference between the 10th and 11th day of suspension for a student who receives special education services. How might a special education teacher be involved in this process?
Discussion Question #2: Special Provisions
Why is there a need for specific provisions related to discipline for students who receive special education services?
Discipline Process:
Students with disabilities are provided with specific provisions regarding discipline through the law. Special education teachers need to be aware of what the law has outlined for the discipline of students with disabilities, as they will be responsible for implementing these specific guidelines.
Review the following case scenario to inform the assignment that follows:
Charlie is a fifth grader who receives special education services for a learning disability. He is on grade level in math and two years below grade level in reading. He receives services in a resource setting for one hour each day. Charlie has no history of behavior problems.
Recently, Charlie was caught stealing software from the computer lab at his school. His teacher referred him to the assistant principal who issued a three-day suspension and required him to return the stolen materials.
The day of the incident, when Charlie returned to the classroom to gather his belongings, he confronted his teacher. He called her names, threatened to come back to school with a knife to “cut her,” and pretended to swing his fists toward her. Charlie’s teacher called the principal, who, in accordance with the student code of conduct at the school, issued an additional 10-day suspension for Charlie, bringing his total days of suspension to 13.
Note: Adapted from Key issues in discipline (Module 19). Building the legacy: IDEA 2004 training curriculum, by R. Bradley, R., 2007, Washington, DC: National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities.
In an essay, address the questions that follow. Support your answers with references to specific sections of IDEA where applicable.
What will the special education teacher need to do next because of Charlie’s 13-day suspension?
Who will need to be contacted regarding Charlie’s suspension?
What services, if any, need to be provided to Charlie during his removal to an interim alternative educational setting (IAES)? Who are the stakeholders involved in this discussion?
Assume a manifestation determination review is held for Charlie, and it is determined that his behavior was not a manifestation of his disability.
What disciplinary actions are permissible?
What, if any, services will be provided to Charlie for the duration of the disciplinary action?
What happens if Charlie’s parents appeal the manifestation determination?
Interview two of the following: a principal; assistant principal; administrator; lead special education teacher; school psychologist, or behavior interventionist/coach.
Discuss the role in which the interviewee plays regarding the following:
In your role, what types of discipline issues have you found to be the most common with students with disabilities?
In regards to IDEA, what is your responsibility regarding the discipline components for students identified as receiving special education services?
How do you play a role in in-school suspension versus out-of-school suspension for students who receive special education services?
How are you involved in the decision-making process regarding the discipline of students with disabilities?
What types of data do you collect regarding behavior/discipline issues of students with disabilities? If you do not collect the data, do you review the data to assist with any discipline issues?
How are special education services provided to students with disabilities who are suspended, if needed? Does your role have responsibilities in determining or providing these services or ensuring these services are met?
What other additional insight can you offer in the areas of due process, discipline, and student/family rights related to your role and responsibilities?
Summarize your interviews and reflect upon professional practices related to legal and ethical discipline for students with disabilities. Discuss the similarities and differences of roles and responsibilities based on your feedback from the interviews. In addition, provide any additional insight the interviewees provided you might not have realized until now. Explain how you will use your findings in your future professional practice.
REFERENCES:
IDEA’s Regulations on Discipline
Discipline, in Detail (Part B)
Manifestation Determination in School Discipline
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