School-Based Plan for Student Support

Weaving a Safety Net After Concussion

Almost all post-concussion management programs for children and teens emphasize the importance of "cognitive rest." It is rare that a student will need a formal educational  plan (504 or IEP). A school-based plan of temporary accommodations is the best way to assure the optimal environment for students during the first 6 to 8 weeks after a concussion.

Convene a school team meeting

• Include the student’s parents, all of the student’s teachers, the school psychologist, and nurse.
• Identify a school Case Manager who will lead the team.
• Share general concussion education resources (CDC Guidelines; School District information)
• Develop procedures for implementing the student’s plan of support
• Discuss how to provide a supportive safety net for the student considering the following cognitive processes almost always affected by concussion.

Cognitive processes almost always affected by concussion

• Complex, integrative thinking — such as is required for successful participation in class discussions, AP classes, taking complete notes, "thinking on one’s feet"
• Written language — term papers, scientific reports, essay exams, paragraphs
• Mental efficiency — thinking is laborious, multi-tasking is very difficult
• Mental processing speed
• Organization — such as is required for planning long-range or multi-step projects, also planning and executing homework assignments given by multiple teachers.
•  Any areas of pre-injury cognitive weakness will be exaggerated.

Develop a Working Plan of  temporary accommodations, potentially including:

• Excuse the student from any missed assignments.
• Integrate all class expectations , test, and Project schedules across teachers.
• Negotiate multiple assignments so that they are not occurring at the same time.
• Assign a good note-taker in each class whose notes are copied and provided to the student daily.
• Plan a study hall each day to review and consolidate new learning and to organize upcoming projects, tests, and assignments.
• Assign a counselor to meet with the student at the end of each day to check in, problem-solve, and assure that homework needs are being addressed.
• Consider carefully upcoming standardized tests (especially SAT and ACT) and advise student as to taking these during  this time.

See other articles by Jeanne Dise-Lewis, PhD.