Observe your student closely during class and make a list of specific behaviors that indicate she is struggling academically or behaviorally. Note obvious triggers that serve as a precursor to negative behaviors. For example, if the student becomes agitated or disruptive during class or before lunch break, note this behavior. Also, list specific subjects with which your student struggles.
Set up a parent-teacher conference to discuss your student's academic and behavioral challenges. Be sure to praise your student's strengths before you share the negative behaviors that must be addressed. Ask your student's parents whether their child exhibits similar behaviors at home or if she has expressed having difficulty with certain subjects. Inform the parents that if the behaviors persist, you would like to set up a student support team to address the student's struggles, so that their child can learn how to deal effectively with her challenges and achieve her academic goals at the same time.
Contact the school social worker to apprise her of your student's situation. Set up an appointment for your student to visit the counseling office to meet with the social worker. Confer with the social worker to see if your student requires special education or if special in-classroom support is recommended. Contact the parents and update them on the present discussions with the school social worker and possible action plans.
Meet with the social worker, parents, and other members of your school's student support team to come up with an Individualized Education Program for the student. This program may include transferring the student to a special education classroom. Meet with the student, the social worker, and the student's parents to prepare her for the changes that will soon take place.