This post popped up in my feed. It is on the special ed sub that I can't cross post, but it had a picture of these awful bites/bruises. The victim/teacher immediately went on about how it's communication, the kid didn't mean it, etc.
Okay first, I mean, I guess it's communication? I didn't bite when I didn't have speech as a young kid, but okay sure I'll go with that.
People immediately start going on about buying special sleeves to protect your arms and BIPs. In 20 years in the game, I have yet to see a BIP fix anything. Sure, maybe we reduce your bites from 20 a week to 18 but...is that a win? Is it? And we are literally having staff buy special bite sleeves to protect themselves.
Yes yes everyone deserves an education. But what the hell kind of education are you getting when you can't keep your teeth to yourself? I'm serious.
I know it will never happen, but at some point kids in these situations need intensive help. Education is secondary--learning not to bite or molest other kids or whatever the hell else is going on takes precedence. What would this look like? Social workers, psychs, nurses, whatever. It will never happen, of course, but man what the fuck are we doing?
(No it's not my first day teaching. I know this shit has been going on forever, but seeing that picture did someting to me).