Case Studies

Javier

Javier is a 16 year old male high school junior who plays trumpet in the Symphonic Band. He is currently eligible for 504 accommodations and has Auditory Attention Deficit. His accommodations include sitting in close proximity to the teacher, providing positive feedback when turning in assignments and class work, checking his overall progress weekly and providing organizational assistance.

Javier is in my brass class of 12 students. In band class, Javier is easily distracted. In moments of silent rehearsal, Javier struggles to stay focused. Socially, Javier is noticeably behind his peers on a social level. Javier is more at home socializing with 9 th and 10 th grade students as he feels more comfortable in this setting.

Javier has a great trumpet tone and a natural ability to play the instrument. Just when he earns a high score on a playing test or performs a quiz well, Javier must always be supervised as he gets off task often. Javier sits on the edge of the first row nearest to the conductor podium. This is to ensure that his attention can be diverted quickly. The close proximity to the teacher helps Javier stay on task.

From a behavioral standpoint, Javier can be disruptive and talkative. When other boys in the classroom disagree with him, Javier is quick to defend himself. He has even made verbal threats to other students who make fun of him. In large rehearsals settings with 50 or more students, Javier struggles noticeably with staying on task. This is the area where his AAD hampers him the most. In this situation, I find it extremely challenging to keep Javier engaged. I want to maintain a program of inclusion but I have to spend critical time rehearsing elements of the program with all my students. I try to not spend so much time disciplining him in front of all the students, but find it difficult to run an effective rehearsal with his consistent disruptive behavior and lack of focus.

Since I have been made aware of these accommodations and after putting measures in place, there has been improvement. I feel that I could do a better job.

1. What can I do better in class to keep Javier on task?
2. What can I do in large rehearsal settings to keep Javier on task?