he's baaaaaaaaaaaaack

If you've been with me long enough, you'll remember "Jose". He was the fourth grader who drove me (and countless other teachers) wild with rage and brought me to my knees in tears last year.

You might also remember that after much drama and to-do, we FINALLY got him the help he needed by transferring him to the behavior unit on a different campus. You can read about that victory here. I called it a miracle. I celebrated with colleagues. I considered it The Single Greatest Accomplishment of My Career.

That was just four and a half months ago.

And now they're sending him back to us, because "his behavior is fine".

Do you know why his behavior is "fine"? Because he's been under the impression that all he has to do is to earn his way back here. He's manipulative like that.

My deaf ed. colleague and the principal have attended his IEP at this behavior unit. They report that the other school has taught him no coping strategies, and no anger management strategies. In fact, they had NO GOALS READY for his IEP.

He's scheduled to come back this Monday. Thank the good Lord Almighty that they moved me to first grade so I will no longer be his teacher. The fifth grade teacher has had Jose in the past, so she knows what to expect.

It makes me more than a little angry and sad to know that I spent so long fighting an unfair educational system just to have him end up back in a place where we can't help him.

And when I see him on Monday? I may have a fixed smile on my face, but here's what I'll be feeling on the inside:

14 comments:

Venassa said...

Aw what a disappointment. If they went through all the trouble to take him out of the school, they should've at least done a little more to help him.

Mrs. Fine said...

Ahh...it's so frustrating when teachers try to truly help a student and yet attempts are futile because someone doesn't understand the real situation.

Sherri said...

Oh you have got to be kidding. How can these people just move this kid around like that? And NO IEP goals? Yeah, that's a big help.

Thank goodness you won't have him!

Sharlene T. said...

In today's world, movement is progress... Maintain, my dear, maintain...

Anonymous said...

I am sorry sorry, Princess. dad

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry, Princess. Love you. dad

Randy et Jan said...

Sounds to me he is a "hot potato!" and the behavioral unit is passing off THEIR responsibility for him back to you! Relieved with you that he won't be your student!! Love you, Mom

theheadsoffice said...

Why do authorities do this? surely it is not in anyone's best interest not to give this lad strategies. He will just end up back with them. What a waste of time & energy & in the meantime v stressful for his teacher!

Bethany said...

Maybe be glad you aren't that kid's mother - cause a mother's love only takes you so far.

Unless the kid's issues are because of his mother...which is all too common these days. Hello, therapy.

Books That Heal Kids said...

I call that a "dump and run" (on you guys of course). I've been in this same situation before. Sigh.

Elissa Newton said...

Oh, Hugs and prayers for you and "Jose". I have seen this in Monster's Class too many times. Hate that sometimes you have to fight so hard to do what's best for a kid. Hate that the fight doesn't always help.

Unknown said...

Oh that sucks. I feel bad for that other teacher. But at least you don't have to deal with him daily right?? Hopefully he really did get something from being transfered out and has learned a lesson. Time will tell I guess.

malia said...

That sounds like a frustrating situation-- all you can do is your best and it sounds like you went above and beyond. I hope for his new teacher's sake he's gotten better. Crossing my fingers at least ( -:

Charlotte said...

Oh no! I have a friend with a troubled 10-year-old boy and the school has nothing to help him. They don't even have a special classroom for violent children OR behavioral aspects to his IEP. I don't know how they can expect this will be good for the child, the other children in the school, the teachers, or his poor mother who is called to get him everyday because his behavior is uncontrollable so he falls even farther behind in his schooling.

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