RELATING
Narrative, Challenge Points, Choices and Review

Scene 2 – Good Elementary Counsel

Mrs. Byron continued to be troubled by Jay's behavior. She also was worried about the other parents' reactions to his presence in the classroom. Her discussion with Dr. Rogers had helped, but hadn’t stopped the classroom disruptions, so Jeannie Byron decided to seek additional assistance from the Eagle Elementary School counselor, Janet Peters.

Jeannie Byron talked with Janet Peters at length about the problems she was experiencing with Jay in the classroom. Janet listened. Then, she inquired about the type of behavior Jay was exhibiting.

In terms of academics, Jeannie Byron reported that Jay was a ‘good’ student. However, during group learning time in class, he often blurted out answers and was demanding of her attention.

Jeannie Byron described her teaching style carefully to Janet Peters to help set the context for obtaining Janet’s help. She told Janet Peters that in her classroom students sat at large tables of four, based upon skill level. During instructional activities the youngsters were expected to work in two-table groups of eight or work independently. As a result, Jeannie Byron explained that she had little time to provide individual supervision to students.

"Jay receives instruction in the middle, or "average" group for both reading and math," she told Janet Peters. "During the times when he receives direct instruction from me, he experiences few behavioral difficulties. Most of his difficulties occur when he is expected to work within a cooperative one-table structure, or independently."

Although Mrs. Byron said she had tried many times to reach Jay's parents, she never received a return phone call or note from them.

Ms. Peters decided to schedule a meeting with Jay's parents. She wanted to alert them to the problem, get a sense of his behavior at home, and learn more about family daily routines and rituals.