SPD - 510 -BENCHMARK DUE PROCESS CASE STUDY

SPD - 510 -BENCHMARK DUE PROCESS CASE STUDY Professional, Ethical, and Legal Practices and Policies in Special Education The following information is based on a case study for a student named Stephen who is in special education. According to the case study, Stephen has autism and has been placed in an inclusive classroom. Stephen’s main mode of communication is through PECS, which is a picture exchange system, however, he is able to speak in two-word utterances. He enjoys working in groups in the classroom but has recently been exhibiting behaviors that are out of the ordinary for him. These behaviors consist of biting classmates and pinching the teacher, Ms. Gonzalez, during one-on-one instruction. Ms. Gonzalez has done her best to keep data on the behaviors Stephen has begun to manifest, however, the data is inconsistent as she is the only adult in the classroom. The lack of supporting staff in Ms. Gonzalez’s room has caused her to feel that she is unable to meet Stephen’s needs and that he would benefit from a different placement. Details on Steps to Be Taken Data in these circumstances is essential in order to prove a change in placement will benefit a student. In order for a sufficient amount of data to be collected in Stephen’s case, Ms. Gonzalez needs to record more data relating to the frequency, duration and activities of his behavior to provide to the Behavior Analyst and the IEP team. Every school is required to provide students with the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Due to Stephen’s current behaviors, it is essential for the school to consider an LRE that will allow him to learn in an environment where he will not harm himself or his fellow classmates. Once a sufficient amount of data is collected on the behaviors Stephen currently exhibits, Ms. Gonzalez needs to have provide the information to his special education teacher Mr. Kuchar in order for him to arrange for a Behavior Analyst to observe the behavior. Once the Behavior