Which guideline is not recommended for the use of punishment?

Using punishment in educational settings, particularly for students with special needs, is a controversial topic and generally not recommended. The guideline that suggests testing the punisher on a pet first is not appropriate for a variety of ethical, practical, and humane reasons. This approach can lead to harm or distress for an animal and does not create a valid or effective framework for applying punishment in a human educational context.

In contrast, guidelines that emphasize the need to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of punishment, to use it as a last resort, and to maintain clear communication with parents about procedures are all considered best practices. Regular evaluation ensures that the consequences being applied are actually leading to desired behavioral changes and not causing further issues. Using punishment as a last resort aligns with the principles of positive behavior interventions, which prioritize proactive and supportive strategies over punitive ones. Finally, keeping parents informed about behavioral strategies reinforces the home-school connection and promotes a collaborative approach to support the student effectively.