The Toolbox Workshop is a full day spent on the legalities of disciplinary action with students with disabilities.  In the “new and improved” 4.0 version of the Toolbox, which we just debuted earlier this month, we practice with some hypotheticals. Here’s one: 

Adam, Baker, Charlie and Diana…..

Adam violated the Code of Conduct in a way that would normally call for 30 days in the DAEP.  There were no “special circumstances” involved.  The ARDC decided his behavior was not a manifestation of disability.  Parent disagrees with this.  Where does Adam go?  What Tool is the school using?  If the parent requests a due process hearing, how does the “stay put” rule come into play?

Baker violated the Code of Conduct in a way that would normally call for 30 days in the DAEP.  There were no “special circumstances” involved.  The ARDC decided that his behavior was a manifestation of disability.   The school officials do not see Baker as a dangerous student.  What happens with Baker? 

Charlie violated the Code of Conduct in a way that would normally call for 30 days in the DAEP.  No “special circumstances.”   The ARDC decided that his behavior was a manifestation of disability.  The parent agrees with this.  The school seeks a change of placement for Charlie to behavior unit, and the parent does not agree to that. What Tool are we talking about?  The school officials do not see Charlie as a dangerous student.  If the parties end up in a due process hearing, how does the “stay put” rule work?

Diana violated the Code of Conduct in a way that would normally call for 30 days in the DAEP. The ARDC decided her behavior was a manifestation of disability and the parent agrees with this.  The school officials have reason to believe that Diana will hurt someone if she remains in her current placement.  What can the school do?  What Tool would it use?  How does the “stay put” rule come into play?

Sound like fun?  Well….maybe “fun” is not the right description. Would it be helpful to have a more confident approach to situations like this?  If so, let me hear from you. Got the tool belt on.

DAWG BONE: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT.  IN THE TOOLBOX WORKSHOP, WE PRACTICE.

Tomorrow: No more April.  Let’s call it May.