We did not expect to get a turkey question today. We were anticipating a groundhog query. But be that as it may, let us discuss turkeys in the context of The Toolbox.

The Toolbox is a set of 10 “tools” available to schools when dealing with disruptive students with disabilities. Tool #1, which we emphasize is the most important tool, is the development and implementation of a BIP—a Behavior Intervention Plan.

In The Toolbox training, we encourage you to be creative in crafting a BIP for a student. So we would rarely rule something out from the get-go. But a turkey?  Really????

Perhaps this parent read the story of the Delta passenger who was allowed to bring a turkey on board the airplane.  Here’s the picture:

But it’s important to point out that airlines have to be more like Noah than schools do. The federal Air Carrier Access Act requires carriers to permit an “emotional support or psychiatric service animal” on board.  The regulation excludes snakes, other reptiles, ferrets, rodents and spiders, but most everything else is permissible, including turkeys.  A “service animal” for school purposes can only be a dog or a miniature horse.

But you know the general rule with special ed. Take it to the ARDC and ask: is the turkey necessary for the provision of FAPE?  We kinda doubt it. We think turkeys are not NECESSARY for anything except Thanksgiving. But with special ed, you never know.  So take it to the ARD. Serve turkey sandwiches.

DAWG BONE:  WE THOUGHT OF MANY MORE TURKEY-RELATED WISECRACKS, BUT DECIDED TO STAY ON THE HIGH ROAD TODAY….MOSTLY.