From Suspension to Success

The mother of a 17-year-old high school student called for assistance with her son John's school.  

Eligible for special education services as a student with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), he was on an Individualized Education Program (IEP), but he couldn’t control his impulsive behavior at school. 

Susana took the case shortly before an incident at school where John was facing a possible suspension.  To determine whether the school would suspend John, or whether his hitting was a result of his disability, the school conducted a Manifestation Determination as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

Ultimately, the incident was found to be related to his disability and the school district acknowledged it was not in compliance with IDEA.  Through advocacy, John was given an expedited evaluation and interim placement in a residential facility.  At the facility, John was mentored by a counselor whom he began to trust; he slowly earned increased privileges at the facility along with earning academic credits.  His mother noticed that he started to look and act differently.  After 7 months in the program the special education team and Susana met and agreed to a trial transition back to his home and a partial day at his community high school. 

Returning to his high school enabled John to follow his passion, football.  He tried out for, made, and played for the varsity team, while honoring his behavioral requirements, his academic requirements and his continuing counseling progress.  

He was successful at home, on the field, and in the classroom. 

All he could do at the last IEP meeting was smile with pride while the administrators, teachers and his mother praised him for the way he accepted help and turned his life around.

John's teachers reported that he was a very intelligent student on a regular diploma track, and college bound.  His assignments were turned in 100% of the time and his attendance was 100%.  His GPA went from 1.5 to 2.5 to 3.0 in his last progress report.  He is extremely proud of what he has accomplished. 

All he could do at the last IEP meeting was smile with pride while the administrators, teachers and his mother praised him for the way he accepted help and turned his life around.