| * The money expended [on behalf of students with ADHD, as reported by the National Institutes of Health] would be better spent on workable academic programs which actually raise the childs level of academic competence and thus his self-esteem. Colorado State Board of Education RESOLUTION Promoting The Use Of Academic Solutions To Resolve Problems With Behavior, Attention, And Learning Whereas, the Colorado State Board of Education is constitutionally charged with the general supervision of K-12 public education; and, Whereas, the Colorado State Board of Education dedicates itself to increasing academic achievement levels for all students; and, Whereas, the responsibility of school personnel is to ensure student achievement; and, Whereas, only medical personnel can recommend the use of prescription medications; and, Whereas, the Colorado State Board of Education recognizes that there is much concern regarding the issue of appropriate and thorough diagnosis and medication and their impact on student achievement; and, Whereas, there are documented incidences of highly negative consequences in which psychiatric prescription drugs have been utilized for what are essentially problems of discipline which may be related to lack of academic success; Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Colorado State Board of Education encourage school personnel to use proven academic and/or classroom management solutions to resolve behavior, attention, and learning difficulties; and, Be It Further Resolved, that the Colorado State Board of Education encourage greater communication and education among parents, educators, and medical professionals about the effects of psychotropic drugs on student achievement and our ability to provide a safe and civil learning environment. November 11, 1999 On this date, the Colorado State Board of Education passed this resolution by a six-to-one vote. An Internet Opinion Poll conducted on the Rocky Mountain News "InsideDenver.com" web site posed this question a week following the Colorado Board of Educations adoption of the above resolution: "Was the state board of education right to attack the use of Ritalin?" * 890 respondents (96%) said YES.* 41 (4%) said NO. DECEMBER EDUCATION REPORTER may be read online: http://www.eagleforum.org/educate/1999/dec99/er_dec99.html |
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