Case
Taking Advantage of Medical Needs

In my class, I have a student that is diabetic. The student is often required to drink lots of water and therefore needs to use the restroom frequently. It has become an issue though because the student uses this as a way to avoid work. The student will say that he needs to use the restroom when in reality he does not and is trying to waste time. The other day the student accumulated a total of 25 minutes in the restroom during a 60-minuet reading block. Any suggestions on how to respect the student's medical needs while still making sure he is not lying to get out of doing his work?

Posted on: 10/13/22 | Views: 176
Solution #1
I think the first thing that should happen is the teacher should review the 504 or IEP that lists the students medical needs and review the policies that surround that specific student's needs for their diabetes. After reviewing the policies, the teacher can then come up with a system with the student where they are able to use the bathroom at the end of the class rather than at the beginning so they are still getting their work done and are present for the instructional time. You can set benchmarks of work for them to know they would be able to go to the bathroom based on the amount of work they complete.

Hello! I think this solution makes sense in theory, but as a Diabetic, I would suggest it is not suitable for the need. The truth is that the child not only needs to drink extra water, but any time their sugar is high, their body uses going to the restroom to flush out negative chemicals. So, allowing the child to go to the bathroom whenever they request is a non-negotiable. However, you could have a conversation with the student to express your concerns for them not finishing their work without mentioning the bathroom. I would approach the entire situation based on their grades and work completed, not by addressing the bathroom.

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Solution #2
Maybe limit his bathroom breaks to one per period, or even one break after every 2 periods depending on how long. Also you should still hold the student accountable for finishing work in class and maybe use recess time if they don't finish. This will motivate them to not be in the bathroom so much and actually try and get their work done.
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Solution #3
You could utilize an exit ticket for them to use the restroom. As long as they have the capability of holding it, asking a question based on the lesson so that they know they still need to pay attention. Obviously still review the 504 and/or IEP and a possible discussion with parents on the solution ideas.
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Solution #4
You should review the student's accommodation and connect with the parents. They can give you insight into how many bathroom breaks are medically needed for their student and how best to approach a management plan. I would maybe set a bathroom schedule if the student cannot manage the amount of breaks they are taking.
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Solution #5
I would continue to allow them go when requested, however, I would also provide breaks. So, if students need a break from work, you can say, "Okay, take your 5 minutes." rather than that 25 minutes in the restroom. I would discuss the concerns with the uncompleted work, and perhaps meet with the guardians to discuss in a respectful and not accusatory way if it is standard.
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Solution #6
The first thing that the teacher should do is to review the students IEP or medical information. If the IEP says that the student can spend a certain amount of time in the restroom, then an accommodation will have to be met. HOwever, if you are noticing that it is taking valuable time away from learning, then you may request a meeting for strategies to use in the IEP meeting.
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Solution #7
I would create a sign in and out sheet where the students have to log their time when they exit the building. I would also have a conversation with the parents and explain that he is trying to get out of work.
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Solution #8
I would talk to the school nurse about the student coming to the office in order to use the restroom. Once that is established, I would also give the student a buddy that will walk the student to the office to use the restroom. This may help with the possible avoidance of the assignments.
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