Behavioral theories

Week 8 Case Study | Chapter 14: Theories From the Behavioral Sciences

Amanda Danielson is a school nurse working in a large suburban school district and is responsible for three middle schools in the district. She has been called to one of the schools by the health aide, Sara Lopez. Sara has noted that one young seventh grader (Luis) has been in the health office several times a week since the semester started, complaining of vague abdominal complaints. Sara checked with his homeroom teacher, who noted that Luis has been acting very immaturely lately and his grades have been slipping. He has also been fighting with other students, and she even found him hiding outside the classroom once, crying.
Amanda makes a visit to Luis’s middle school the following day. She observes Luis in the classroom and at recess. Luis is quiet in the classroom but engages in several games at recess. However, Amanda notes that Luis quickly argues about rule violations. She calls Luis in to see her, and after several minutes, Luis reveals that his father died 3 months ago, leaving his mother to support the family. Luis is the oldest of three and is expected to take on more responsibilities. He feels very stressed about this and told Amanda that he feels like he needs to find a way to earn money and help his mother. He has had to drop playing club soccer (one of his favorite pastimes) because of the limited money and need for him to be home to watch his siblings.

1. What theories from the chapter might Ms. Danielson utilize to understand what is going on with Luis?

2. Amanda has an excellent background in these theories and plans to utilize them to help her create the individualized learning plan for Luis. Although strategies are not explicitly outlined in the chapter, what might Amanda include in her plan?