Assignment Task: Read the Scenarios and answer the questions.
Case Scenario 1: Parents of an elementary school student with autism requested that the school district provide their child with the applied behavior analysis (ABA) method. The ABA method attempts to ensure a match between the behavioral intervention and the specific behavioral problems at issue. The ABA method is a comprehensive intervention to behavioral issues-it is ideally carried out in every setting possible. The parents argued that their child would educationally benefit from the ABA method, and in making this argument, the parents cited several studies that demonstrated the effectiveness of ABA. The school district denied this request, arguing that it was too costly and that other methods were equally as effective.
Questions:
1.) Would the school district be denying this student FAPE if it did not implement the ABA method?
2. What if the parents pulled their child out of this school and sent him or her to a private school that used the ABA method? Would the parents be able to be reimbursed for the private-school tuition?
3. How would the parents appeal the school district's decision under IDEA?
4. How is it determined whether the ABA method is required under IDEA?
Case Scenario 2: A student receiving services under IDEA spray painted graffiti inside the school's restroom. The student painted "death to principal Stuckey." The student had already been suspended nine days this academic year. Thus, school officials needed to conduct a manifestation determination before suspending this student for five additional days. The parents argued that their child's diagnosis of ADHD was related to his misconduct; thus, he could not be suspended. (Note: Although ADHD is not listed as one of the 13 specific categories of disability, it is sometimes included under the "other health impairment" category.)
Questions:
1.) Do you think a diagnosis of ADHD could be found to be related to the conduct described above?
2.) Do you think that school officials could have moved this student to an interim alternative educational setting for 45 days because of the "death threat" to principal Stuckey?
3.) Would a manifestation determination need to be conducted before placing this child in an interim alternative-education setting? How would this be decided?