II. Selecting an Alternative Educational Placement
Selecting an alternative educational placement can be a difficult task. These steps can be helpful:
1. Collect all pertinent academic and behavioral records for the child’s school history.
2. Solicit opinions about the nature of the problem from any professionals involved with the student.
a. Does she act out because she struggles in school, because her peers bully her, or because she is oppositional and defiant? Try to understand the antecedents in order to develop an appropriate remedy. Do not forget to ask the student what she thinks the challenges are.
3. Consider whether the needs are primarily academic or non-academic
a. Students struggle for many reasons ranging from dyslexia to hearing issues to social or personal difficulties. Strive to understand what challenges the student faces.
4. Consult an experienced professional (an education consultant, therapist, counselor, physician) to evaluate further what the specific needs are and to suggest a placement.
5. Tour the center (where possible) and discuss the student’s needs with staff.
a. Be forthcoming about the student’s struggles but also emphasize her strengths and interests.
b. Share appropriate professional documentation (if available) with staff
c. Be alert to staff’s attitudes and their awareness of the student’s issues
6. After choosing a placement, collaborate with the center to promote the student’s success.
a. Good parental support is a balance between involvement and trust.
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