Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Is FAPE being denied to behavior kids?
Students with severe behavior problems can miss a great deal of instruction time. If a teacher has a student with such problems, especially in an inclusive setting, they should anticipate and plan for incidences in the classroom. However, if teachers have insufficiently planned and the student is not receiving the appropriate instruction, have these students been denied the education that they should have. I know, I know; you want to say, "How can you educate someone that won't let you?" I agree; it's tough. This student could be in the classroom but be so disengaged that they are not getting any classroom benefit; and if you try to engage, then you fuel the fire of the behavior that you are trying to avoid. Yet, if they are sent to detention or suspension, they are not receiving anything. What shall we do?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Man, you have hit the nail on the head Tyrell. When I was student teaching, I worried about the kids that were always in the cycle of acting up. I figured out pretty quick that good days for some of these behavior problem kids is much like the worst day for the good behavior kids. Regardless, this is one of those situations where differential instruction is a must. Kids with behavior problems can be engaged in creative activities, I've seen it countless times. I'm not as experienced as you, of course, but I do know that activities that allow the student to take ownership, such as creative writing, will lead these kids to achievement.
ReplyDeleteI also try to get the kids that have the most behavior problems to have a leadership role often. Helping grade papers, writing directions down on the projector while explaining the directions, answering questions when possible in my place. It really has worked for me.
These are really good techniques to utilize, Billy. You know, most of the attention that these kids get is negative. They need something positive in their lives; let them know that they can achieve as well. On the flip side, I do believe that behaviors can become so drastic that an intense intervention should implemented.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely brought up a great topic! I agree that students are not receiving instruction if they are out of the classroom being disciplined, but how can you keep a student in your classroom when they are being unruly. I think Billy brings up a great point that it is the teachers' responsibility to make their classroom an environment where the most learning can be accomplished. Even students with behavior problems should be able to find a way to plug into learning and find a way where they can stay and learn within the classroom.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to figure out. You want that student to learn but when they are impeding the learning of every other child in the classroom it's hard to justify their reason for staying. I know, that's harsh, but sometimes you do not have a choice.
ReplyDeleteIt is a hard one to answer. I think of positive behavior support and putting that into place to help bring the student around. I wish I could remember the behavior system that a friend os mine uses in the BSP class. I implementated parts of it with a problem student who was in the developmentally delayed program because of behavior. I had to tap into his interests and run with it. It worked. I was exhausted but it was worth it.
ReplyDelete