Board Policies6000 Instruction
The District shall work closely with parents in serving students with behavioral or mental health needs. The Superintendent shall oversee the delivery of appropriate educational services in line with this policy and applicable laws. Psychotropic Medication Unless authorized, school personnel may not recommend to a parent or guardian that a student take, or continue to take, psychotropic medication designed to affect emotions, mood, or behavior. Employees possessing a special services type C certificate may make recommendations regarding whether such medication may assist the child in school, but only if such recommendations are consistent with the individual’s training and job duties. A determination as to whether or not psychotropic medication is beneficial for a student should be made by parents and the student’s medical provider. With limited exceptions, absent parental consent, students may not be required to take psychotropic medication as a condition of attending school. However, such medication may be required if, in the opinion of the student’s medical provider, the medication is necessary for the student’s mental health or the student poses a risk of harm to the student or others without the medication. Students and their parents/guardians will be afforded due process rights to which they are entitled by law, board policy or administrative regulations. Psychological or Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment Unless authorized, school personnel may not recommend to parents that their student receive psychiatric or psychological evaluation or treatment. School personnel, who possess a special services type C certificate, or other behavioral or mental health professionals working in the schools, may make recommendations regarding evaluation and treatment, so long as such recommendations are consistent with the individual’s training and job duties. Nothing in this policy is intended to prevent referrals and evaluations of students for special education and related services. The limitations on evaluation and treatment are not applicable to reasonable readmission criteria for students who have been suspended or expelled. In the interest of safety and security, the District may impose requirements for evaluation and/or treatment as a condition of readmission. Classroom Observations School personnel may consult with parents and share classroom and school-based observations regarding a student’s behavior and academic and functional performance. Such consultations can include discussion regarding referral for special education evaluation. In consulting with parents, school personnel must be cautious not to engage in prohibited discussions as set forth above. Compliance with Policy and Law This policy is based on required school laws of the State of Alaska. Violations of this policy may subject school personnel to disciplinary action. Legal Reference: ALASKA STATUTES UNITED STATES CODE |