Five Different Viewpoints

Description

The school board invited an interdisciplinary team (a Social Worker, Nurse, Ministry of Labour Inspector, Early Childhood Interventionist, Principal, and an Educator) that deals with children with developmental disabilities or who demonstrate problematic behaviour at school to look into the case of a student's relocation to another school. They were called in to consult with a school about a student's recurring stereotypical vocalizations, which are upsetting and causes teachers and other students uncomfortable and unsafe. The student has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and has a history of aggressive behaviour, which includes hitting, pushing, and shoving others. The student had a Student Safety Plan and Behaviour Support Plan as recommended under provincial law, however, the prevention methods and best practices failed multiple times and resulted in ongoing aggression on the student’s part. The staff would prefer to relocate the student from the school so as not to disrupt other students' work and learning. The administration informed the team that several children in the same classroom had left the school in the preceding several months and that many teachers/EAs avoided working in this school because of this child. To keep things under control, the principal wants the child relocated from the school and the team to produce a report recommending the child's relocation. The school dismissed the two team members who were unable to handle the child's behaviour in the previous six months. Most team members are concerned that if they disagree, they would not be able to work at the school and may lose their contract or position with the school board. This situation has caused a schism among the team members, with the majority of members wanting to support the principal's decision to relocate the student from the school. Meanwhile, some members are opposed to the relocation, believing it to be unethical and unjust.