Every child is entitled to a school led by a knowledgeable principal and effective teachers. A student with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), especially, needs a structured environment with high expectations and thoughtful, well-planned instruction.

The Chesapeake Institute, under contract with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs, conducted a field study of effective practices for educating children with ADHD.

The team observed over 50 children with ADHD in 30 public school classrooms across the country. They found that successful programs have three key components:

  1. Academic instruction that includes the child with ADHD in most regular classroom activities, but provides individualized instruction where needed;
  2. Behavior management that includes a well developed plan to help the child learn how to manage his or her own behavior in the classroom; and
  3. Classroom accommodations or changes that recognize the special needs of the child with ADHD. 

Is Your School 'ADHD-Friendly'?

First, investigate the overall climate and atmosphere of the school:

  • Do teachers and administrators believe that all students can learn?
  • Are rules and expectations for behavior in the school clearly stated and consistently applied?
  • Are consequences for breaking the rules fairly administered to all students?
  • Is the school orderly and structured?
  • Does the staff believe in positive reinforcement, incentives and motivational activities? 

Does your principal:

  • Run a "tight ship" with regard to discipline, structure, and organization?
  • Provide training and resource materials about ADHD for staff members?
  • Attend all meetings and collaborate in all decisions regarding students with ADHD?
  • Listen to parents and their concerns?
  • Creatively helpsolve the problems of students with ADHD by coming up with one more plan, or one more incentive?
  • Hold both teachers and students to high expectations?
  • Believe that all can learn (this includes teachers, students and parents)?
  • Regularly spend time with students (in the cafeteria, on the athletic fields and in the classrooms)?
  • Affirm, support and encourage teachers? 

Does your child's teacher:

  • Know about the symptoms and treatments of ADHD?
  • Empathize with the struggles of a child with ADHD?
  • Listen to and work with parents?
  • Treat your child with love, kindness, and support?
  • Organize and structure her classroom?
  • Stay calm under pressure?
  • Use rewards, incentives and reinforcement successfully?
  • Say clearly what s/he expects?
  • Stay flexible and willing to change?
  • Communicate and empathize with parents?
  • Teach using many different approaches?
  • Persist until students learn and succeed?

Visit the school. Observe the teachers. Talk to other parents of students who have ADHD. Do your homework. Your child's academic success depends on it. 

Elaine K. McEwan is a former teacher, librarian, principal, and administrator.