Running head: EDU 210 Artifact 5 1

EDU 210 Artifact 5

Richard L Tipton

College of Southern Nevada

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In our situation we have a high school Principal Debbie Young. In her time before

becoming a principal she worked as a special education teacher in an affluent school district. She

is being faced with the dilemma of allowing a profoundly mentally disabled student named

Johnathan into her school. He also faces a large measure of physical disabilities including

seizures, and spastic quadriplegia. She denied the request saying that the burden on the school

would be too much.

In order to defend her actions, we must look at the landmark cases in special education

such as Sacramento City Unified School District v. Holland, the rules for Least Restrictive

environment were determined. We must look at the factors laid out such as the benefits of a

regular classroom, the nonacademic benefits of social interaction, the effect of the child in a

classroom, and the cost. Johnathan would not have the easiest time socially with all of his

disabilities, as well as most likely causing several disruptions to students in a regular classroom

setting. The cost would also be high due to the needs of the student being so great. Overall even

with aids being provided to Johnathan this school may not be his best option, and his parents

should seek another alternative through a least restrictive environment.

If we take a look at LT v. Warwick School Committee we could see the limitations of

reasonable accommodation. This case allowed for a school to prepare a special classroom for a

student, but the parents disagreed. The courts upheld the school’s decision, stating that it is not

the school’s duty to provide a specific program, only that it is required to provide an appropriate

education. This shows that schools still have the discretion to determine what may or may not

work for a student, which can be used to support principal Young’s decision. It is important that
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the student receives a fair education, which Debbie believes Johnathan would not receive at her

school given the situation.

Although Debbie believes her actions are justified, it does not change the fact that

disabled students have rights to fair education. If we look at Irving Independent School District

v. Tatro, it is determined that necessary services in order to assist in a student’s education must

be allowed in the classroom. The needs that Johnathan has such as his nurse, are all things that

the school needs to provide to ensure his education. A school should not be allowed to turn away

a student due to them needing additional resources. Even if Debbie has some pure intentions in

denying the request, she cannot deny him due to the financial costs of his resources.

In Cedar Rapids Independent School District v. Garret F it was determined that a

specialist must be provided to assist a quadriplegic student in the classroom. This was done in

order to provide a accessible classroom for the student so he can attend regular classes. This

student was able to function in the classroom environment but only required the nurse for

movement related issues. This is similar to Johnathan as he is also bound to a wheelchair and

requires medical assistance. To keep him socially involved and to grow as much as possible it

would be essential to include him in an environment with other students, but only if he could

function socially.

Due to court findings I believe Debbie’s decision would be upheld by the court. Debbie is

taking into consideration all of the limits that could be assisted by LRE, and is within her rights

as the principal. The environment of a school like Debbie’s would be too limited for someone

with as many needs as Johnathan. Debbie made the right decision as Johnathan would benefit

more from a different environment.

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References

Underwood, J.D, Webb, L.D, Upper saddle River, NJ, Columbus OH, School law for

teachers, concepts and applications, Pearson Merril Prentice Hall