VI-1 Module VI _____________________________________ Supporting Students with Mild Brain Injury

VI-2 Module VI Goal _______________________________________________________ To provide information about the ways in which mild brain injury affects educational performance and about strategies for supporting the student with mild brain injury.

VI-3 Module VI Learning Outcomes _______________________________________________________ At the end of this module you will: –Identify symptoms of mild brain injury –Understand the ways in which mild brain injury affects school performance –Identify options for meeting the educational needs of students with mild BI –Be familiar with strategies for supporting students with mild BI

VI-4 Proportions of Mild, Moderate, and Severe Brain Injuries _______________________________________________________ The vast majority of students with brain injuries who return to school have mild injuries.

VI-5 What is “mild” brain injury? _______________________________________________________ Brief or no loss of consciousness Signs of concussion –Nausea and vomiting –Headache –Fatigue –Dizziness –Poor memory Post-traumatic amnesia less than l hour GCS of 13-15

VI-6 Mild Brain Injuries ______________________________________________________ 88% of all brain injuries are mild Symptoms usually resolve within three months, but can persist and be life-long Symptoms can significantly interfere with academic school performance If ignored, symptoms may lead to more lasting problems

VI-7 Types of problems of students with mild brain injury _______________________________________________________ Memory Fatigue Inattention Slow performance Incomplete work Organizational problems Frustration Depression Disorganization School absences Conflict with peers and teachers Falling grades

VI-8 Optional Video Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: The Hidden Consequences

VI-9 When to Refer for IEP Team Evaluation _______________________________________________________ Whenever school staff suspect a disability Whenever parent requests a special education evaluation Note: others also may refer for special education evaluation

VI-10 If Mike Is Referred for Evaluation _______________________________________________________ Does Mike have a brain injury acquired by an external physical force? Does Mike have an impairment according to Wisconsin PI 11? Does Mike need special education? How will his needs be met?

VI-11 If Mike is found NOT to have an impairment/need for special education _______________________________________________________ The IEP team –summarizes child’s Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance and needs

VI-12 What if we don’t suspect a disability for Mike, but we do see needs? ________________________________________________________ How can we meet Mike’s needs?

VI-13 Meeting Mike’s needs if no IDEA disability is suspected _______________________________________________________ Building team referral Case management to monitor performance Develop short-term strategies, accommodations Section 504 plan (if Mike meets 504 definition) Conduct individual non-special education assessment with written parent permission Staff development

VI-14 What strategies could we use to support Mike in general education? _______________________________________________________ Consider Mike’s performance in school. What might you suggest to help him while he recovers from his injury?

VI-15 Regular Education Interventions for Mike ______________________________________________________ Counsel Mike about brain injury Educate his parents, teachers, peers Adjust his schedule Prioritize homework Suggest peer assistance with homework Communicate with parents about homework Delay SAT Postpone finals Monitor progress Refer for SE if needed

VI-16 End of Module VI