During at least one point in their academic careers, most students will face the prospect of getting disciplined at school. Perhaps it's something minor, like a stern talking-to by a teacher after class. Or maybe it's more serious and can result in an expulsion. Then, there are students who have special education needs. These students may have an Individualized Education Plan or simply have trouble learning the way their neurotypical peers do. 

If your child is dealing with discipline or learning issues and you're concerned that the school isn't handling them properly, you need to get in touch with the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm. Our nationwide education attorneys can be reached online or by calling 888-535-3686 and can help you ensure your child gets treated fairly.  

Ideally, your child won't face any unfair discipline at school and will receive the nurturing and supportive learning environment they need. One way some schools are trying to do this is by offering “reset rooms,” which offer a safe space for students. 

What Are Reset Rooms? 

Reset rooms are special rooms in schools where all students (and sometimes staff) can go to practice mind/body skills and exercises to get back to their baseline emotional state. They also serve as places for students to talk about what happened after they've had a chance to cool down. Reset rooms are staffed at all times and aren't used as a form of punishment or a place for students to avoid academic requirements. 

How Reset Rooms Can Help 

Reset rooms rely on a trauma-informed, resilience-focused model. This means reset rooms are based on the idea that a student misbehaving doesn't mean they're a bad person and that their disruptive behavior is a form of communication.  

One way reset rooms help students is by providing schools with a better opportunity to listen to students. Many teachers oversee 25 to 40 students in a single classroom, so when a student causes problems, that teacher doesn't have the luxury of sitting down with that student to figure out what's going on and find the best way to help. This is where the reset room comes in. 

Reset rooms can help students avoid feeling overwhelmed and overloaded such that they might do something that leads to them getting into trouble. Not only will the staff of the reset room help the student manage their situation and feelings, but the school will gain a better understanding of what the student is going through. This can result in a more appropriate response to a student's behavior. So, instead of punishing the student, the student might receive special education services. 

Reset rooms can also serve as an accommodation for students with recognized disabilities. A properly arranged reset room can be the perfect location for students on the autism spectrum who might have sensory issues or extra challenges with interpersonal communication. 

Dealing With Special Education or Disciplinary Issues? 

Students face potential discipline proceedings or struggle with their special learning needs, with or without access to reset rooms. Regardless of whether your school has a reset room, if your child faces disciplinary action or isn't getting the special education services they're legally entitled to, get in touch with the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm. You can use our online contact form or call us at 888-535-3686.