Discipline going to the district superintendent level?

[Anonymous]

For DC's situation, right now we're waiting on the principal to make a decision on consequences, but we were told that if he (principal) chooses one of several options, that means a referral to the district superintendent. We were also told this means the District Super can assign DC to a different school, among other things.

For context, DC has an IEP with some goals related to modifying his behavior. I mean, he's been suspended before (1 day), but is a different school assignment something I need to be truly concerned about? School wants to meet with parents only to "discuss next steps".

Anyone have experience with this? We're in FCPS, if that helps.

[Anonymous]

IS SOMETHING VERY BAD.

[Anonymous]

Did your child refuse to take a test or did he hurt a classmate?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did your child refuse to take a test or did he hurt a classmate?

the latter

[Anonymous]

Does your child Have a Behavior Plan as part of their IEP? Was it Followed? Is this a manifestation of their disability? Know your Procedural rights. It might be worth having Jeff move this to the Special Needs or FCPS forums for better advice. A placement change might be desirable depending on the exact issues.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure how to get him to move the thread, but happy to have it moved if that's the case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does your child Have a Behavior Plan as part of their IEP? Was it Followed? Is this a manifestation of their disability? Know your Procedural rights.

Behavior goals, I don't think there's a "plan" per se; DC tried to follow the supports he had in place, but some of the options weren't available that day. According to the doctor it is a manifestation of the disability.

[Anonymous]

OP I get that you want to protect your privacy, but being super coy doesn't really help clarify your situation.

Yes, if your child hurt another child then your child might be reassigned to a different school. Obviously it didn't work so well at the current school so unless you have ideas for improvement, switching schools could Ibe an attractive option. Options to consider are the public option and getting to pay for a private placement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP I get that you want to protect your privacy, but being super coy doesn't really help clarify your situation.

Yes, if your child hurt another child then your child might be reassigned to a different school. Obviously it didn't work so well at the current school so unless you have ideas for improvement, switching schools could Ibe an attractive option. Options to consider are the public option and getting to pay for a private placement.

Sorry, not trying to be super coy, just trying to protect privacy. They have several supports in place at the high school, but some of the team wasn't available to help deescalate the situation.
DC pushed/hit another student, but according to the school, the other student is fine. It was broken up pretty quickly, from what I understand.

I guess my question is - does being referred to the district superintendent mean that's a likelihood? Or am I jumping to the negative thoughts too quickly?

[Anonymous]

It means it is entirely possible -- and also means that escalation decision is entirely at the principal's choice.

[Anonymous]

It's a possibility and I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea to start thinking of worse case scenario plans. I would also go in with apologies and plans to work on the behavior first and then talk about the issues with the supports not being available. If it's gotten to this point, they likely won't respond well if you immediately try to "excuse" (not saying that's what you're doing) his behavior and blame them.

It also may be necessary to revisit this plan. Requiring multiple people to deescalate him doesn't seem like it can reasonably instilled all the time.

[Anonymous]

A "manifestation of the disability" does not absolve the perpetrator of responsibility. I think a lot will hinge on what your child understands of the situation, and how able he is to control himself should a similar trigger arise again, from this student or any other adult or child. Are there private supports you can tweak, such as medication and therapy, to try and reduce the risk of recidivism; and how likely is it that this school will regularly find itself without the correct supports for your child?

[Anonymous]

It sounds like the school didn't provide needed supports and should going forward and should come up with a plan B if the support person is absent.
How often are the supports in his IEP not there? Do you want a different placement? Do you have an advocate who helped with the IEP who could consult about the discipline process?

[Anonymous]

You mention a previous suspension. Was it also for fighting? How's your DS' overall discipline record? I'm not asking you to respond here but all of these are factors that will come into play.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does your child Have a Behavior Plan as part of their IEP? Was it Followed? Is this a manifestation of their disability? Know your Procedural rights.

Behavior goals, I don't think there's a "plan" per se; DC tried to follow the supports he had in place, but some of the options weren't available that day. According to the doctor it is a manifestation of the disability.

They will not find that it is a manifestation of the disability. They will say "We have had X other students with that disability, and they haven't [done what your DC did]", or come up with a lot of other reasons why the doctor is wrong. It is a farce. But going to the Gatehouse does not necessarily mean a school reassignment. BTDT.