“QUESTION: Are there some students who are so volatile and unstable that academics should be de-emphasized until things are calmer? ANSWER: Yes. Some kids simply aren’t “available” for academic learning until factors that are impeding their learning—and perhaps stability—have been addressed. Plunging forward with expectations a student clearly can’t meet is usually an exercise in futility and often results in detentions, suspensions, expulsions, paddling, restraints, and seclusions”