To Rechelle re no recess as punishment

[Guest guest]

Dear Rechelle,

Ironically, when teachers tried to get my son to do things by saying he couldn't

go to recess if he refused, it was a reward for him. He hated recess and

would have spent every recess inside if they had let him.

But for most kids, I think taking away recess is against the spirit and might

even be against the letter of the law -- the I.D.E.A., that is. Doesn't it

require

schools to deal with behavior they consider undesirable by carrying out a

functional behavioral analysis and using a positive (not punitive) behavior

plan? I think you would be perfectly within your rights to request (in writing)

an interim IEP meeting and ask for a positive behavior plan to be added to

your daughter's IEP. Perhaps Roxanna or Pam could print out for you the

actual section of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that deals

with

positive behavior plans. Or you may be able to find out more information

about this on one of the special ed law websites, www.wrightslaw.com or

www.reedmartin.com.

Good luck!

Jill