ETHICS IN EDUCATION

IDEA IS THE LAW

Discipline explained in the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

in terms that all can understand gives definitions of helpful terms such

as: Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA), Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) and Individual Alternative Education Setting

(IAES). National Center for Learning Disabilities

DEFINITION: FUNCTIONAL BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS

A FBA is an observation of the child working in the classroom that reveals the behavior issues that the student is presenting. A target behavior should be decided upon before the observation and the antecedents (causes) preceding the behavior.

BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION PLAN

A BIP can be developed using the FBA. The behavior intervention plan should choose one behavior to target for modification(change) or to replace the behavior with a more desirable one.

ALTERNATIVES TO BEHAVIOR CHANGE

Efforts to control behavior determine: If the child stays at a school with his

peers If the child attends an alternative

school (achievement academy-a school setting with restricted privileges). Behavior can not be a manifestation of his disorder

IDEA AND DISCIPLINE

IDEA states that: any student, who has an IEP in effect, can be

disciplined just like any other student for 10 consecutive school days or less if the child violates the school’s code of conduct. Each school must have a school code of

conduct. Efforts should be made in order to establish

understanding of the rules in every child including IEP students. National Center for Learning Disabilities

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Current settings for disciplinary action: in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension or an interim alternative

education setting. What is required of the school? To supply educational services for the students

including IEP students. Notify parents the same day that the decision is made

to remove the student form existing educational setting.

A written copy of the notice of Procedural Safeguards must be given to the parents.

BEHAVIOR ISSUE OR HERITAGE? Heritage is important to the family Ethical and cultural heritage has deep

rooted influences Behaviors may be socially different

from most students Teachers and staff must be aware of

these facts.

ETHICS HAS CARRY OVER VALUE TO COVER THE PROGRAMS YOU USE.

A teacher who is considered: ethical, responsible and honorable will have the same principles

applied to the practices used to teach or change behavior.

REFERENCES

Alberto, P. and Troutman, A. (2013). Applied behavior analysis for teachers, Ninth Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ.

National Center for Learning Disabilities. (2013). Chapter 10: Student discipline—addressing serious behavior issues and concerns. Retrieved from: http://www.ncld.org/parents-child-disabilities/idea-guide/chapter-10-student-discipline-addressing-serious-behavior-issues-concerns