Our new state law requires schools to seek consent for an FBA when students are sent to the DAEP for more than 10 days.  This is a disciplinary change of placement (Tool #6 in the Toolbox) that now requires an FBA and a BIP. This is putting a strain on district’s resources.  Someone recently asked me if there is any way around this. 

Sure there is.  Don’t change the kid’s placement.  Handle it in some other way.  The requirement to do an FBA and a  BIP is triggered by a disciplinary change of placement. Whether the behavior is  a manifestation of disability or not, an FBA and BIP are now called for. So the only “loophole” here is to not change the placement.  There are many other discipline management techniques available to the school.  Perhaps the new state law will prompt schools to re-examine practices, and become less reliant on DAEP.   

DAWG BONE: YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO WHAT YOU HAVE ALWAYS DONE.

Got a question or comment for the Dawg?  Let me hear from you at jwalsh@wabsa.com. 

Tomorrow: testing protocols