Scenario Response 6

Step One would be to fully document the behavior that was occurring and which was unacceptable. Was this behavior occurring in other classes or just my class?  I would ask both the student and any other student involved to describe as best as he/she could what was happening and why? As this student is in an early language stage of non-speaking, non-communicating, he/she could provide his statement in his native language.  I would also want to know what other students were involved? I would ask them to describe what happened and why? 

Step Two would be to gain a thorough understanding of the student’s background and cultural experiences. I would begin by talking with the student about his/her experiences in his/her home country. What did he/she miss most about “home.”  I would also meet with the student’s  parents about their expectations for his learning and also about what aspects of his home culture their child had felt a strong connection to and which might be missing from the new environment. I might of course need the assistance of a translator for this.

Step Three: My focus here would really on whether or not the root cause of the student’s behavior was cultural, was intentional of accidental, or was perceived as acceptable or unacceptable. The answers to these overall questions would help me shape an intervention plan that respected the student’s culture and at the same time reflected the necessity of learning. the cultural norms of this country. If appropriate I would involve his parents and/or members of his native language community in the intervention. 

Step Four: I would monitor and adapt the intervention plan as necessary. I would reward and supporting positive behavior form the student.