Should special ed be for students with behavioral issues?
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Anonymous
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The school is trying to push DC-1st grade into special education. DC is very bright, two grades ahead in some subjects and above grade level in all the rest. DC has some non violent behavioral issues. I'm not even sure what services they would try to push because obviously the issues are not affecting ability to access the curriculum. I dont think special education designation should be applied for kids who simply have behavior problems. I think a common behavior plan is all the informal accomodation needed. I could post in the special need forum but most there really want the iep. We dont. What do u think?
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Anonymous
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I think schools are much more intolerant of behavioral issues than they used to be, than they should be. However, behavioral issues are not easy for a school (or a student or the parent) to fix, and they do impact other students, sometimes to a small extent and sometimes to a large extent.
If a school is trying to push your DC into a self-contained classroom, these aren't merely "some non violent behavioral issues". These are major issues that are likely having a significant effect on other students in the classroom as well. It's possible that a different teacher/school would solve these problems. It's possible that a behavior plan would solve these problems. But it's also possible that none of these things would solve these problems. As time goes on, your DC will grow and mature and some of these issues may go away, perhaps all of them. Or new issues may arise. |
Anonymous
Behavioral issues definitely fall under IEPs. In order to understand what would help him best in the classroom, get a neuropschological evaluation. If you don’t want an iep, then home school. Your kid has the right to an education but not the right to disrupt the education of others. |
Anonymous
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It’s actually pretty hard to get SPED services for kids who “only” have behavioral problems. When I worked in a school (as a social worker), the services we provided for SPED students as part of their IEPs were largely geared toward emotional regulation and focus. I don’t like behavior plans because they don’t really teach coping skills. It’s more of a reward system where kids are controlling their behavior to get rewards rather than because it’s whats best for them.
While it’s possible that your school is just trying to push off a smart kid whose behavior is a hassle to deal with, it’s also possible that your child’s issues are more severe than you think and/or making it difficult for other child to access the curriculum. In your situation, I’d want to know what services they think are appropriate and what they’re basing that recommendation on before agreeing to anything, but I would also recommend listening to what they have to say. |
Anonymous
| I'm guessing your child is a major disruption to the class and is severely impacting the other children. The school may think that the best way they can deal with these challenges is through a smaller classroom with specially trained teachers. What does the schools say about why? |
Anonymous
So if my kid flips desks everyday but can read, write and solve problems above grade level, you're saying that my kid doesn't need special education services? Or if my kid cries uncontrollably in the fetal position when she doesn't get her way, but again, she's able to read, write and solve problems above grade level, that my child doesn't need special education services? Really? I would question whether your child is able to access the curriculum without accommodations and supports. Does your child require frequent reminders? Or removal from class in order to get work done? The specialized instruction your child might require would be to engage in the general education curriculum without those supports and accommodations. What exactly is your kid doing? What do you mean by "behavior problems?" |
Anonymous
| YESSSSS! Get them out of the regular classroom where they distract the well-behaved kids and take up so much of teachers time. |
Anonymous
| What kind of behavioral problems are you talking about, OP? I’m a parent of a child with special needs and behavior problems, and I also work in an elementary school. Schools are not set up for outliers of any sort - and depending on what you mean by behavior other parents may be calling the school and complaining. I can understand not wanting your child to be labeled, but if they need help then I can’t really understand saying no to help the school is offering. |
Anonymous
| You need to consider that your child may NEED an IEP. Don’t be so quick to dismiss it. What is causing the behaviors? Could it be autism or ADHD, or both? My child was identified as academically gifted and he performs above grade level on tests, but he absolutely needs an IEP and adult support to remain on-task, complete assignments, and manage his behavior in a general-ed classroom. With the help of an aide, frequent breaks to deal with emotions and frustration, and organizational help, he’s able to cope and do okay in school. Without the IEP, he would probably fail or be kicked out of school. |
Anonymous
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Yes I think behavioral issues fall under special ed. Your kid might be given the same curriculum but in a place with less distractions, more time, etc.
ODD and ADHD are more common now under sped |
Anonymous
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My child was forced in a mixed class and it was a disaster and he hated it. He was scared to go to school every day as he'd get attacked every morning by another child who the school kept claiming was hugging him - my child was clear they were not welcomed hugs but school refused to stop them. All day, every day, several kids had to be pulled out of the classroom and it was very disruptive and hard on some of the other kids like mine. The school would complain my child was distracted and of course give everything happening and being physically attacked - hugged, grabbed, poked, what ever you want to call it.
I like the idea of mainstreaming but its not right for all kids in all situation and it can be an issue for other kids. |
Anonymous
| If they are coming to you with this then whatever the behaviors are, even if not violent, are significantly affecting the class on an ongoing basis. |
Anonymous
This. He needs special attention to help him moderate his behavior. |
Anonymous
Except special education is not meant to serve the children who are not in special education. It's meant to help the child in question access the curriculum. Your response seems self serving as in- Get those kids away from my kid- which is understandable. But what if my response was similiarly self serving as in --What obligation do I owe you? I am trying to do what is in the best interest of MY child--. If a child does not need supports to access the curriculum, then shoving them into special ed to get them away from the "good kids" seems very wrong. |
Anonymous
| It is pretty rare that teachers are the ones pushing for an IEP, OP. Usually the opposite. So, your child must have bigger needs than you are admitting here or to yourself. |