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Shepherd/Linn, Behavior and Classroom Management in the Multicultural Classroom
Chapter 2
Legal Issues of Behavior and Classroom Management
Responsibilities of Teachers
• It is important that teachers and administrators provide a safe and secure environment in
which learning can take place, and behavior and classroom management is the means by
which teachers and administrators create this positive learning environment.
• Beyond the ethical considerations of providing a safe environment for children in
classrooms, teachers and administrators have legal rights and responsibilities for
managing student behaviors.
Development and Implementation of Behavior Management Policies
o A crucial part of creating a safe learning environment is the development and
implementation of effective discipline policies.
o A school-wide management plan provides rules and consequences that are consistent
across classrooms; however, these plans should have the flexibility to meet the needs
of culturally and linguistically diverse students, students with disabilities, students
from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and students with different ability levels.
Proactive, Active, and Reactive Strategies
o Successful behavior and classroom management should be based on a universal
design for classroom management and should include proactive, active, and reactive
strategies.
o Proactive strategies can prevent behavior difficulties from occurring in the classroom.
Teachers should develop and implement proactive strategies before students enter the
classroom.
Shepherd/Linn, Behavior and Classroom Management in the Multicultural Classroom
Legislation Affecting Behavior and Classroom Management
• The three most important pieces of legislation affecting behavior and classroom
management are the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (2004), the
Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
(1973).
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
o The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act was specifically
created to guarantee the provision of educational services for children with
disabilities in public schools.
o Inclusion is not mentioned in IDEA, but the law’s definition of least restrictive
environment provides the impetus for the inclusion movement.
o One of the key considerations in the behavior and classroom management of students
with disabilities is whether the consequence of a behavior results in the student’s
change of placement.
Shepherd/Linn, Behavior and Classroom Management in the Multicultural Classroom
o The purpose of the behavior intervention plan is to take the information obtained
through a functional behavioral assessment and implement strategies that will reduce
or eliminate the inappropriate behavior.
o Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act basically prevents discrimination toward
individuals with disabilities by any program receiving federal financial assistance.
o The Americans with Disabilities Act protects individuals with disabilities from
discrimination in the workplace or at any public program or activity and guarantees
accessibility at public places for those with disabilities.
o The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments expanded the criteria for the
definition of a person with a disability, and expanded the list of major life activities.
Select Court Cases Affecting Behavior and Classroom Management
o Teachers need to consider the findings of a number of court cases that have directly
or indirectly affected the development and implementation of behavior and classroom
management.
Legal and Ethical Issues Related to Restraining Students
o Federal and state legislatures and courts allow physical restraint of students for
therapeutic and risk prevention or as a response to imminent danger.
Shepherd/Linn, Behavior and Classroom Management in the Multicultural Classroom
