Nothing to Hide, Everything to Say

Dr. Laurie Quarnberg

02 Dec 2025 — 1 min read

It was my first day at a female youth correction facility in Lakewood, Colorado and I was excited to work with female youth who needed support from special education service providers to make progress. I was with the students for breakfast and then they transitioned to their schools for their daily programming.

A student with the same name as my sister, Valerie, walked down the hall and said that she was going to do something- I didn’t know this student at all, but she began taking her clothes off and throwing them into a pile in front of a lounge chair in the meeting area of the lounge by the classrooms. Valerie sat on the couch without any clothing on and announced, “what are they going to do about it?”

Valerie had a point - all of the other staff were male and were not willing to touch a nude teenage girl. Valerie remained sitting in that chair without any further outbursts for about an hour and the counselor and shift supervisor spoke with her until she was ready to redress and join the milieu.

What we learned students will find ways to make themselves heard, even if their behavior is challenging or uncomfortable for staff. As educators and support providers, it is essential to respond thoughtfully and safely, ensuring that the student’s voice is acknowledged while maintaining a secure environment for everyone.

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The ARD Meeting That Broke the Silence—and the Trust

ARD meetings can be intimidating for parents, and this can be even more true when the parent does not speak English. To support these families, the ARD committee includes an interpreter to ensure parents can make informed decisions about their child's placement, progress on goals, and preparation for

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A Close Knit Classroom

During my time as a special education teacher at a female youth correctional facility in Lakewood, Colorado, I formed close relationships with several of the girls living there. One evening, after significant disruption on the unit, the teachers were asked to stay well into the night. While we waited, the

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When What You See isn't the Whole Picture

The ARD Meeting That Broke the Silence—and the Trust

(Untitled)

A Close Knit Classroom