Dealing with an Out-of-Line Teacher
Q:
"My ADHD child’s third-grade teacher makes him sit alone during lunch, at a desk about 15 feet away from the rest of his classmates. And, when he’s in class, she has him sit at a 'desk for children with behavior problems.' These punishments seem, to my gut, very wrong. What do you think?"
A:
Sometimes a child with or without attention deficit disorder (ADHD) needs to be removed from the group to cool off; a brief timeout immediately following misbehavior is an acceptable consequence. Teachers may also need to seat students strategically, to increase their productivity during certain assignments or at certain times of the day. That’s a learning-style accommodation. But being deliberately set apart from his classmates during lunch and in the classroom is inappropriate, and would damage any child’s self-esteem. A teacher who understood ADHD would not address misbehaviors in such a public and humiliating manner. I am saddened to hear that your son is being treated this way because of his disorder. Your mother’s “gut” is right. I recommend requesting a meeting with your son’s teacher and administrator. Make it clear that you do not want your son to be isolated from his peers in this way. If your son has not yet been evaluated by the school district, request an evaluation to see if he qualifies for an IEP or 504 Plan. I would also speak with the principal and ask that, in fourth grade, your son be placed with a teacher who has a positive mindset toward supporting children with ADHD.
Sandra F. Rief is the author of How to Reach and Teach Children with ADD/ADHD.
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