Zero Tolerance for an Old Policy How to push back when students are pushed out Talking Points for Effective Advocacy Jacqueline Roebuck Sakho Regional Coordinator, West TN STEP, Inc.

“Pro”ventative Advocacy “Catch it at the gate” “Catch it at the gate” – –Utilizing the IEP  Building Social Skills  Developing Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills  Strengthening Dynamic Thinking Skills

“Pro”ventative Advocacy A learning and teaching moment…

The Teaching Opportunity Understanding Your Child’s Disability Understanding Your Child’s Disability –Knowing which services are appropriate Being/Becoming a Collaborative Parent Being/Becoming a Collaborative Parent –Working together Navigating the IEP as an “interactive tool” Navigating the IEP as an “interactive tool”

The Learning Opportunity School System Resources School System Resources – –Approved curriculum – –Programs and services What other services may be helpful for that family? What other services may be helpful for that family? Potential Volunteer Advocate/Mentor Potential Volunteer Advocate/Mentor

Preventative Advocacy “Grab the reign” “Grab the reign” – –Utilizing the services entitled  A “functional” FBA/BIP  Know your people

Preventative Advocacy A learning and teaching moment…

The Teaching Opportunity Knowledge of Rights and Responsibilities Knowledge of Rights and Responsibilities – –What does the law provide? – –Who are the key behavioral players? – –Might the youth require additional services outside the school system? Being/Becoming an Effective Advocate Being/Becoming an Effective Advocate – –What are the rules? – –Effective Record Keeping – –Developing an action plan – –How to negotiate effectively

The Learning Opportunity What are the procedural guidelines for FBA/BIP for the School System? What are the procedural guidelines for FBA/BIP for the School System? –Opportunity to challenge vague policy!! The key Behavioral players in the School System The key Behavioral players in the School System Who are the youth service provider agencies? Who are the youth service provider agencies? Potential Volunteer Advocate/Mentor Potential Volunteer Advocate/Mentor

Conflict/Crisis Advocacy “Red Alert” “Red Alert” – –Utilizing the IDEA  Record Review –Are there compliance issues? –The Manifestation Determination Hearing?  Ensuring that all relevant information regarding the youth’s IEP is reviewed by the court –Zero Tolerance – Criminal?

Conflict/Crisis Advocacy A learning and teaching moment…

The Teaching Opportunity Knowledge of Rights and Responsibilities – –Discovering the “zero tolerance” and disciplinary policies and procedures – –Who are the key players?  School System Discipline  Juvenile Justice – –Alternatives to detention programs? If so, what are the criteria? Being/Becoming an Effective Advocate – –What are the rules? – –Effective Record Keeping – –Developing an action plan – –How to negotiate effectively

The Learning Opportunity School System procedural guidelines/policies? School System procedural guidelines/policies? –Opportunity to challenge vague policy –Identifying systemic issues Juvenile Justice and School System key players Juvenile Justice and School System key players Juvenile Justice system structure? Juvenile Justice system structure? Building Community and Legislative relationships Building Community and Legislative relationships

“Educational disability does not cause delinquency, but learning and behavioral disorders place youth at greater risk for involvement with the juvenile courts and for incarceration. School failure, poorly developed social skills, and inadequate school and community supports are associated with the over- representation of youth with disabilities at all stages of the juvenile justice system.” “Educational disability does not cause delinquency, but learning and behavioral disorders place youth at greater risk for involvement with the juvenile courts and for incarceration. School failure, poorly developed social skills, and inadequate school and community supports are associated with the over- representation of youth with disabilities at all stages of the juvenile justice system.” The National Center on Education, Disability and Juvenile Justice Questions?