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Alternatives to Exclusion for Substance Use

Alternatives to Exclusion for Substance Use

Session Highlights Could Include:

  • Background & Scope of the Issue: Data and trends showing how substance use exclusions disproportionately impact students with disabilities and other marginalized groups.
  • Youth Voice: Featuring perspectives or quotes from alternative schools, Recovery High School and/or Oregon Youth Addiction Alliance (OYAA) students.
  • Legal Considerations: Clarifying what schools must do, what they can’t do, and the gray areas in between. Including guidance on informal removals and MDRs (Manifestation Determination Review).
  • School Board Policy and/or Procedure changes:
    • Adding support options for students struggling with SU as opposed to exclusionary practices
    • Safe and inclusive options for students who divulge their own SU issues and ask for help
    • Procedural changes to include SU support (keeping students in school, as opposed to out of school)
  • Alternatives to Exclusion:
    • Restorative justice practices
    • Integration into IEP goals (e.g., teaching replacement behaviors)
    • Behavior support plans

Practical Tools and Interactive Component:

  • FAQs and common troubleshooting
  • Skill-building strategies
  • Sample policy changes
  • Sample procedural changes
  • Systems review and needs assessment templates
  • Practice scenarios for teams
  • Inviting participants to share challenges and successful approaches

Speakers:

  • Lisa Joy Bateman, IDEA Initiatives Team Lead, Discipline Data Steward, ODE
  • Brenda Martinek, Recovery Schools Education Specialist, ODE
  • Alanna Russell, Substance Use Prevention Education Coordinator, ODE
  • Holly Tate, School District Support Specialist, ODE
  • Danica Jensen Weiner, Educational Equity, Safety, and Restorative Justice Specialist, ODE