I wrote over the weekend about the first grade school shooter civil trial currently underway in VA. This case bothers me on many levels…. as a parent, as a special education teacher, and a behavioral consultant. I also asked some podcasters who investigate unique cases if they would cover it on an upcoming episode. Fingers crossed they do.

Like most mornings, I was doing my morning errands and Starbucks run while listening to Court TV’s Opening Statements – a show that highlights the day’s trials with various professionals weighing in on the cases. This morning’s panel discussion regarding the first grade shooter trial baffled me.

Now, I should probably start off by saying I am not a psychologist or psychiatrist, but I do have extensive experience working with neurodivergent children. The guest this morning was asked what else could be done for this first grader, and the overwhelming consensus was that an exploration of psychopathology should be done, with this show’s host saying this child was “doomed” and nothing else could be done for him.

Before I go further, I am in NO WAY condoning the behavior of this student. Violence is never ok. But so many adults failed this child. If appropriate interventions had been in place, I am confident the outcome could have been very different. The guest suggested that a comprehensive psychological examination, specifically around psychopathology be given. It was noted that this child had already been given a diagnosis of ADHD, so some type of evaluation had already been conducted. A comprehensive psychological evaluation like the guest mentioned costs thousands of dollars, often not covered by insurance, and the wait time for these types of evaluations can be lengthly. That issue is for another blog post.

There is a process within the school system where students are evaluated for special education services. I am not sure where this student was in the process, but like I mentioned in my last post, that process can take quite a while. Because of the age of this student, modifications to his environment would be the most effective in a school setting. His behavior was screaming that he needs were not being met in a traditional first grade classroom. He was telling his teachers every day with his actions that his environment was not right for him. Some strategies I have recommended for students with a history of aggressive behavior: smaller classes for the academic subjects that are challenging or classes with a lot of noise/movement/transitions. Modified school day – start off with just a half day of school with the goal of that time in school being successful, then gradually adding more time to the day. A calm down spot/go to person at school when he starts to feel overwhelmed. A debrief around the processing of aggressive events. Like I wrote in the last post, if he never makes the connection between his behavior and school suspensions, there is no opportunity to learn from those behaviors. A social story that outlines his school day, what are the expected behaviors at school, and most importantly, very specific things he CAN do when he is feeling overwhelmed. The goal with aggressive behavior is to identify the triggers and try replacement behaviors before aggression occurs.

As stated earlier, so many adults failed this child. His mother for leaving a loaded hand gun in her purse. The assistant principal for not responding to not one, but FOUR reports that the student had a gun at school. The school staff for not providing an environment that gave this student any type of chance at being successful. A novice teacher should never have a student with a documented history of aggression in her classroom without substantial support from professionals with the experience and skill set to work with this type of student.

I do not know what the consequences will be for this child. His mother is serving jail time for her role in his access to the gun. My hope is that he will be placed in a therapeutic setting with trained professionals who understand his behavioral and psychological needs. But, I vehemently disagree with the panelists on Open Statements this morning. No one should EVER give up on a 6 year old.

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