At this point in the project, I have identified the student I would like to study and have begun data collection. One thing I’ve noticed that can be difficult is when a behavior problem turns into needing a 504, IEP, etc. Once the problem gets that far, different teams and specialists at my school take over and I no longer have access to the confidential information (rightfully so! I’m not complaining).
Therefore, much of my behavior data collection is from observations and occurrences that happen in the classroom. I have also heard what past teachers have said about the student’s behavior issues.
Despite my student’s behavior issues I will always advocate for him. As I am learning more and more I am discovering issues outside of school as well as academic struggles. My most insightful experience so far has been when my CT, TA, and I all got together and had a discussion. When we began to get stuck we called in one of the resource specialists who gave some wonderful insights into how to stop problematic behavior. I told her I will be calling her all the time my first year of teaching. I will continue to observe and data collect.
Getting together with you CT and TA did sound like a great experience. Putting multiple heads together to discuss a student is far better than going at it alone. I look forward to reading more about your case study!