Chapter 9The Case of Matthew Simpson

Cindy Buie, Mallory Mixon, Keely Brewer

Recognize the Problem1. Matthew has major behavioral outbursts and

impulsive behaviors that need to be addressed.

His physicians and caregivers need to balance his medication to better suit his "emotionally disturbed" behaviors. One example of this behavior is Matthew stating, "If I can't leave by the door, I'll leave by the window." She has to rush to shut the window. He disrupts the entire class as he insists on calling out. He constantly talks to classmates and asks multiple questions. His teacher says that each question takes 5 minutes to answer. At age 11, Matthew has already faced probation by police.

Recognize the Problem2. Matthew is placed in a segregated special

education room where he is not meeting his potential. His teacher wants him to be placed in a regular

6th grade class at a new middle school. This transition is will be difficult. He often complains that he is bored with schoolwork and seems to know the answers to many questions. He needs a more challenging setting.

Reframe the Problem1. The special education teacher wants his

medication balanced and wants him in a regular classroom.

She is worried about the transition to the middle school regular education program. The guidance counselor wanted him in gifted, but the special education teacher felt it would be too difficult of a transition. Instead she will recommend a pull-out enriched reading program for Matthew.

Reframe the Problem2. Matthew wants to be challenged and stay

active. He craves adult attention and wishes there

were afterschool programs for him to attend, such as Boys and Girls Club. He likes to play games and invent things. He feels bored by the class activities. He has been taught by his grandmother to defend himself physically, and so he often responds to teasing with violence. He feels that Ritalin helps him concentrate better and the other kids don't bother him so much.

Reframe the Problem3. Mrs. Simpson (Matthew's mother) is worried

about his behaviors, but is busy working a full time job to support the family and therefore leaves Matthew in care of his grandmother.She was a self proclaimed "fighter" in school.

Common GroundMrs. Simpson and the special education

teacher want Matthew to be successful and better able to deal with others.

Matthew and his teacher want him to be challenged more.

Search for Alternatives

Goal #1

Improve Matthew’s classroom behaviors.

Plan of Action for Goal 1 Activity,

Resource, Strategy, Referral

Person(s)Responsible

Criteria forEvaluation

Timeline

1) Create a classroom behavior plan to promote positive behaviors.

Special education teacher

Assessment data, conduct grades, grades on classwork and tests

Throughout the school year

2) Better communication with caregivers to establish consistency between school and home regarding discipline and medication.

Special education teacher, caregivers, school counselor

Call logs, records of email communication

Throughout the school year

Plan of Action for Goal 1, cont.Activity, Resource, Strategy, Referral

Person(s)Responsible

Criteria forEvaluation

Timeline

3) Student will use self-management strategies to monitor behavior.

Matthew Number of office referrals

Daily and weekly checks

4) Increase multimedia use to increase classroom success.

Special education and general education teachers

Lesson plans, grades

Throughout the school year

Goal #2

Transition Matthew into a regular education 6th grade classroom at new middle school.

Plan of Action for Goal 2Activity, Resource, Strategy, Referral

Person(s)Responsible

Criteria forEvaluation

Timeline

1) Collaboration among caregivers and counselors, teachers, and administrators for successful transition to new school.

Caregivers, current and future staff

Meeting logs, email communication

Must be accomplished by May of 5th grade year

2) Recommend Matthew into a residential treatment facility during summer break.

Special education teacher, Mrs. Simpson

Medical reports Must be accomplished by summer following 5th grade year

Plan of Action for Goal 2, cont.Activity, Resource, Strategy, Referral

Person(s)Responsible

Criteria forEvaluation

Timeline

3) Matthew will meet the new counselor and tour the new school to reduce stress and understand expectations regarding behavior and learning.

Current and future faculty and staff

Meeting logs, email communication

Summer following 5th grade year

4) Find Matthew an adult male mentor to provide positive attention and serve as role model.

Special education teacher, Mrs. Simpson

Feedback with mentor

Throughout the school year

Conclusions

Citations