As I read the article “TPS board considers contracts for consultants” (Feb. 2) I couldn’t help but feel like something was missing. As Tulsa Public Schools seeks to address the discipline problems in their classrooms it appears that a consultant experienced in mental health was not considered.
Certainly, experts in education like Kimberly Lewis and Tisha Edwards mentioned in the article are of paramount importance to these matters. However, as a child and adolescent psychiatrist I certainly feel mental health should be considered.
You see, behaviors have meaning and not all behavior has the same meaning. Often, children with discipline problems are suffering from adverse life experiences at home or their own mental illness. In fact, the Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative notes that children who have had adverse life experiences are: 2½ times more likely to fail a grade; more often suspended and expelled, and more often designated to special education.
To continue reading this op-ed by Dr. Sara Coffey, go to: http://www.tulsaworld.com/home...fb-eae8106dc81a.html
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