Comments on: Can A Child with Behavior Problems Survive in a Regular Classroom? http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/ News & Commentary for Parents of Disabled Children Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:46:02 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Tanya http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-136 Tanya Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:20:40 +0000 http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-136 HI everyone, I have a 9 year-old nephew who is a 4th grader in public school that has been diagnosed with ADHD, ODD and Mood Disorders. It has been very difficult to get the school to follow through with my request for am IEP because he scores high academically. What am I to do now? He continues to suffer in the regular classroom because of his disabilities and no interventions have been done on the schools behalf but I have gotten him enrolled in a mental health program outside of school. This agency is providing intensive in home therapy for him and he seems to be doing well with it. He has 3 qualified professionals that work with him so I feel that I am doing my part as his guardian, but the school is doing very little to support him but they want "us" to work as a team . What else am I to do? Tanya HI everyone,
I have a 9 year-old nephew who is a 4th grader in public school that has been diagnosed with ADHD, ODD and Mood Disorders. It has been very difficult to get the school to follow through with my request for am IEP because he scores high academically. What am I to do now? He continues to suffer in the regular classroom because of his disabilities and no interventions have been done on the schools behalf but I have gotten him enrolled in a mental health program outside of school. This agency is providing intensive in home therapy for him and he seems to be doing well with it. He has 3 qualified professionals that work with him so I feel that I am doing my part as his guardian, but the school is doing very little to support him but they want “us” to work as a team . What else am I to do?

Tanya

]]> By: allisonhertog http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-133 allisonhertog Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:55:51 +0000 http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-133 Hi Michelle: You're absolutely right to question why the academics are of a lower quality in a class for special ed kids without academic problems. I think that stems from the fact that generally special ed teachers are not given a post-graduate education in academic content. In other words, they are expected to be able to teach any academic subject as long as they take other courses on <em>how</em> to teach special needs students. I can make that statement because I, myself, have a Masters degree in special education from one of the top educaiton graduate schools in the country and I wasn't required to take a single academic content area course. In terms of your legal rights, if a student is capable of doing the work in a general education class (even a gifted class) but has emotional problems which interfere with his educational performance, he should be included in that class with accommodations to support his disability. You should ask for an IEP meeting to change his placement. I hope that helps. Sincerely, Allison Hertog Hi Michelle:

You’re absolutely right to question why the academics are of a lower quality in a class for special ed kids without academic problems. I think that stems from the fact that generally special ed teachers are not given a post-graduate education in academic content. In other words, they are expected to be able to teach any academic subject as long as they take other courses on how to teach special needs students. I can make that statement because I, myself, have a Masters degree in special education from one of the top educaiton graduate schools in the country and I wasn’t required to take a single academic content area course.

In terms of your legal rights, if a student is capable of doing the work in a general education class (even a gifted class) but has emotional problems which interfere with his educational performance, he should be included in that class with accommodations to support his disability. You should ask for an IEP meeting to change his placement.

I hope that helps.

Sincerely,

Allison Hertog

]]> By: Michelle http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-132 Michelle Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:10:08 +0000 http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-132 I'm sorry Allison my mind was somewhere else earlier. I feel that some can survive the regular classes. My son is in an EBD class for emotional behavioral problems. I plan on mainstreaming him back into the regular classes. He is very bright as most of the kids in these classes. Just being in the contained classes alone is taking a toll on him because he is not learning anything and is getting frustrated. Like I stated earlier he has a one on one for when he needs to take a break or becomes frustrated. I feel as though they are treating these kids as though they have learning disabilities instead of emotional problems. My son scores the highest scores on the FCAT in school, why should he be given easy work just because of his emotional behavior. I’m sorry Allison my mind was somewhere else earlier.
I feel that some can survive the regular classes. My son is in an EBD class for emotional behavioral problems. I plan on mainstreaming him back into the regular classes. He is very bright as most of the kids in these classes. Just being in the contained classes alone is taking a toll on him because he is not learning anything and is getting frustrated. Like I stated earlier he has a one on one for when he needs to take a break or becomes frustrated. I feel as though they are treating these kids as though they have learning disabilities instead of emotional problems. My son scores the highest scores on the FCAT in school, why should he be given easy work just because of his emotional behavior.

]]> By: Michelle http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-131 Michelle Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:50:04 +0000 http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-131 Hello Allison, My son is in a EBD class in which the teachers were trained on how to handle him before he even started going to school there. His IEP plan even states how they should speak to him. All of this was arranged in a District meeting to reevaluate his IEP. He was even assigned a one on one. This teacher refuses to follow the IEP and speak to him in any manner that she wants, even with his one on one present. I'm glad he is there to intervene. It seems as though every time my son takes a step forward, she does something to knock him back a couple of steps. She is one of those teachers that claims to be afraid of him, but I don't see how that is possible with her attitude. Hello Allison,
My son is in a EBD class in which the teachers were trained on how to handle him before he even started going to school there. His IEP plan even states how they should speak to him. All of this was arranged in a District meeting to reevaluate his IEP. He was even assigned a one on one. This teacher refuses to follow the IEP and speak to him in any manner that she wants, even with his one on one present. I’m glad he is there to intervene. It seems as though every time my son takes a step forward, she does something to knock him back a couple of steps. She is one of those teachers that claims to be afraid of him, but I don’t see how that is possible with her attitude.

]]> By: Fearing For My Safety http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-130 Fearing For My Safety Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:16:54 +0000 http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-130 Thank you Allison. I have seen so much dysfunction in schools while living here that it truly is disheartening. The union officials where I worked are furious over this situation and have provided me with support and sanity. They too, believe it ludicrous to allow students to swear at you in fits of rage in the classroom. I would be happy to take any tutoring suggestions. I was a reg. ed social studies teacher before moving here - a job I greatly miss. It has also been suggested that I take my kinesthetic based curriculums for social studies classes and publish them. I am thinking of doing that too. Thank you Allison. I have seen so much dysfunction in schools while living here that it truly is disheartening. The union officials where I worked are furious over this situation and have provided me with support and sanity. They too, believe it ludicrous to allow students to swear at you in fits of rage in the classroom.

I would be happy to take any tutoring suggestions. I was a reg. ed social studies teacher before moving here – a job I greatly miss. It has also been suggested that I take my kinesthetic based curriculums for social studies classes and publish them. I am thinking of doing that too.

]]> By: allisonhertog http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-128 allisonhertog Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:59:03 +0000 http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-128 Dear Fearful and Tearful: I'm so sorry to hear you had that experience, but perhaps it's for the best (at least for you). I wouldn't give up on special education. We need talented, educated and caring professionals like yourself. You may want to tutor as an interim position or permanently (if you have benefits from another source). We are in desperate need of good tutors as a nation. If you are interested, I have some ideas on how to provide excellent cost-effective tutoring for special needs students, particularly in reading. Don't despair. You're still very much needed. Warm Regards, Allison Hertog Dear Fearful and Tearful: I’m so sorry to hear you had that experience, but perhaps it’s for the best (at least for you). I wouldn’t give up on special education. We need talented, educated and caring professionals like yourself. You may want to tutor as an interim position or permanently (if you have benefits from another source). We are in desperate need of good tutors as a nation. If you are interested, I have some ideas on how to provide excellent cost-effective tutoring for special needs students, particularly in reading. Don’t despair. You’re still very much needed. Warm Regards, Allison Hertog

]]> By: Fearing For My Safety http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-126 Fearing For My Safety Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:03:40 +0000 http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-126 To think of all that has happened since I wrote that. Yolanda, I agree - a ticket will not serve any positive purpose. I have always been and will remain student centered and a strong student advocate. That's why I say that this student's chance lie in a firm plan in which he earns privileges connecting both positive and negative consequences in a consistent manner. But that would mean he would have to be self-contained for part of the day and they don't do that. I voiced numerous concerns over my safety and that of my students. The student blows up walks out to the office where the disciplinarian offers him a comfortable chair, tells him they know how bad his life is, how much this person cares about him, states that they'll bring him food, and by the way, don't do that again. Back to class you go. The cycle repeats hourly. Admin has told me that this student should be 'the majority of my time' and the reg ed staff will have to 'pick up the slack' for the rest of my caseload. I need to connect with this kid. Kids have been pushed, threatened, sworn at, I've been sworn at, books thrown. The administrator then told us that when he swears at us in the classroom (this is reg ed/team taught mind you with 30 kids), we should 'let it go' and the other kids should be expected to be tolerant and understand. Yes, I was told to expect verbal assault and request my students do the same. I was so upset I called in sick the next day and e-mailed the main administrator (the disciplinarian is the AP) stating that the emotional attachment towards this student has interfered not only with my ability to do my job but with my physical safety and that of my students. I need clarification of my duties (one student or caseload), I am unable to work with the other students and they are suffering. Basically, the response was to 'dial it down' and not make such a fuss. And then...... The tables were turned on me and I am not on the rec'vg end of a 'witch hunt' because (no, not kidding), I'm apparently not trying hard enough to reach this student or doing my job. This comes from the disciplinarian (no surprise there) and the Dir of Spec Ed. The union has stepped in and I guess this situation is not new. In dysfunctional situations, attack the one bringing up the problem. I am resigning tomorrow from this position, my car is filled with empty boxes to pack up my classroom. I have a 'gift' of reaching kids who present such challenges. Former students, now successful in college and/or careers, remain in contact with me and visit bringing their families. How proud I was when a former student asked my husband and I to look at homes with him as he prepared for his first purchase. Being a teacher is "who I am." So it is with such sad regret that I leave this profession tomorrow after only 10 years. I can no longer take the incompetentcy at the top. I have no idea what I will do now. Our own children are in college. I've applied at local retail stores this weekend - with a masters degree. Signed, No longer fearful but now tearful in Pennyslvania To think of all that has happened since I wrote that. Yolanda, I agree – a ticket will not serve any positive purpose. I have always been and will remain student centered and a strong student advocate. That’s why I say that this student’s chance lie in a firm plan in which he earns privileges connecting both positive and negative consequences in a consistent manner. But that would mean he would have to be self-contained for part of the day and they don’t do that.

I voiced numerous concerns over my safety and that of my students. The student blows up walks out to the office where the disciplinarian offers him a comfortable chair, tells him they know how bad his life is, how much this person cares about him, states that they’ll bring him food, and by the way, don’t do that again. Back to class you go. The cycle repeats hourly. Admin has told me that this student should be ‘the majority of my time’ and the reg ed staff will have to ‘pick up the slack’ for the rest of my caseload. I need to connect with this kid. Kids have been pushed, threatened, sworn at, I’ve been sworn at, books thrown. The administrator then told us that when he swears at us in the classroom (this is reg ed/team taught mind you with 30 kids), we should ‘let it go’ and the other kids should be expected to be tolerant and understand.

Yes, I was told to expect verbal assault and request my students do the same. I was so upset I called in sick the next day and e-mailed the main administrator (the disciplinarian is the AP) stating that the emotional attachment towards this student has interfered not only with my ability to do my job but with my physical safety and that of my students. I need clarification of my duties (one student or caseload), I am unable to work with the other students and they are suffering. Basically, the response was to ‘dial it down’ and not make such a fuss. And then……

The tables were turned on me and I am not on the rec’vg end of a ‘witch hunt’ because (no, not kidding), I’m apparently not trying hard enough to reach this student or doing my job. This comes from the disciplinarian (no surprise there) and the Dir of Spec Ed.

The union has stepped in and I guess this situation is not new. In dysfunctional situations, attack the one bringing up the problem. I am resigning tomorrow from this position, my car is filled with empty boxes to pack up my classroom.

I have a ‘gift’ of reaching kids who present such challenges. Former students, now successful in college and/or careers, remain in contact with me and visit bringing their families. How proud I was when a former student asked my husband and I to look at homes with him as he prepared for his first purchase. Being a teacher is “who I am.” So it is with such sad regret that I leave this profession tomorrow after only 10 years. I can no longer take the incompetentcy at the top.

I have no idea what I will do now. Our own children are in college. I’ve applied at local retail stores this weekend – with a masters degree.

Signed,

No longer fearful but now tearful in Pennyslvania

]]> By: Yolanda http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-119 Yolanda Sat, 12 Sep 2009 22:40:41 +0000 http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-119 I really hope that "Fearing for My Safety" does not contact school police as a way of dealing with this child. This is clearly a child with emotional issues that have not been dealt with. Getting school police involved is only going to further traumatize this child. This child needs help and not a criminal record. Nothing good will come of throwing a disabled child into the juvenile justice system. I really hope that “Fearing for My Safety” does not contact school police as a way of dealing with this child. This is clearly a child with emotional issues that have not been dealt with. Getting school police involved is only going to further traumatize this child. This child needs help and not a criminal record. Nothing good will come of throwing a disabled child into the juvenile justice system.

]]> By: allisonhertog http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-118 allisonhertog Sat, 12 Sep 2009 22:19:40 +0000 http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-118 Dear Fearing for My Safety: I truly empathize with your situation. First, you should immediately notify your superiors and perhaps your union (if you belong) that you fear for your safety. You may need to notify the school police or even the school board attorney's office as well. I also suggest that you keep very good records of exactly what he says/does with times and dates for the next several days. You should ask your superiors to convene an IEP meeting as soon as possible to consider another placement for him where there are behavior specialists who can manage his behavior. Keep me updated - that's how I learn. :-) Allison Hertog Dear Fearing for My Safety:

I truly empathize with your situation. First, you should immediately notify your superiors and perhaps your union (if you belong) that you fear for your safety. You may need to notify the school police or even the school board attorney’s office as well. I also suggest that you keep very good records of exactly what he says/does with times and dates for the next several days. You should ask your superiors to convene an IEP meeting as soon as possible to consider another placement for him where there are behavior specialists who can manage his behavior. Keep me updated – that’s how I learn. :-)

Allison Hertog

]]> By: Fearing For My Safety http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-117 Fearing For My Safety Sat, 12 Sep 2009 01:39:52 +0000 http://makingschoolwork.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/can-a-child-with-behavior-problems-survive-in-a-regular-classroom/#comment-117 I just began a new job in a middle school as a special educator. I have a student with EBD who exhibits severe verbal agression, beginning signs of physical agression, bullies and intimidates those around him, swears at me and his regular ed teachers, walks out of class, throws books, talks and draws incessantly about gang involvement, drug deals, getting high, and states that if I try to keep him in a self-contained environment, he will "blow my head off." I've discussed numerous safety concerns for staff and students with administration. Because of my own schedule, I cannot self-contain him but he is in a regular ed environment. It is to the point where I fear going to work each day. Does he have a BIP? Sure. Have we tried positive reinforcements? Absolutely. Suggestions? I just began a new job in a middle school as a special educator. I have a student with EBD who exhibits severe verbal agression, beginning signs of physical agression, bullies and intimidates those around him, swears at me and his regular ed teachers, walks out of class, throws books, talks and draws incessantly about gang involvement, drug deals, getting high, and states that if I try to keep him in a self-contained environment, he will “blow my head off.” I’ve discussed numerous safety concerns for staff and students with administration. Because of my own schedule, I cannot self-contain him but he is in a regular ed environment. It is to the point where I fear going to work each day.

Does he have a BIP? Sure. Have we tried positive reinforcements? Absolutely.

Suggestions?

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