SUGGESTED RESPONSES
| Problem-Solving Step | Application to Jen's Problem |
|---|---|
| Identify the problem | The school's seclusion monitoring policy puts students at risk Pressing further could implicate her employer or her behavior analyst colleague Not doing anything could lead to student injury |
| Relevant ethical codes | 7.01 Promoting an Ethical Culture 7.02 Ethical Violations by Other and Risk of Harm |
| Considering other dimensions of the problem | Jen should check her state's laws to have a good understanding of the policies that she may use to present her concern with higher level school administrators Otherwise, Jen is clear on the safety risk and ready to pursue the issue further |
| Consider courses of action & potential consequences | Jen would like to meet with the school's superintendent to discuss her concerns. However, she is concerned that she might jeopardize her relationships with her own school's administration. Jen is also considering talking to the parents of the students who use seclusion. She would prefer that the school handle the situation before going to the parents. |
| Select a course of action | Jen decides to talk to the superintendent of the district. Jen is prepared to go to parents for support if the school is unresponsive. There is also a local chapter of an autism advocacy group that would likely support her efforts. |
| Implement and evaluate course of action | It has been several weeks since Jen talked to the district administration. Jen decides to write a letter to the administration and make them aware of her intention to talk to the families about the school's practices. This will document her efforts in the event she receives retaliation from her employer. |