Workers’ Compensation Student Behavior Management

Violence against teachers and school aides has become an increasing problem in schools today. Students with behavioral disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, gang involvement, conflicts at home, or conflicts with their peers can display aggressive behavior towards educators. When dealing with students who have aggressive tendencies, we need to first try to prevent the behavior, second have strategies in place for handling students who become aggressive, and third develop consequences that appropriately address the aggressive behavior.

Here are some guidelines to use when dealing with these situations:

Prevention — Reduce the likelihood of an aggressive incident

• Learn to read your students’ body language. Learn to read the students who are more susceptible to displaying these types of behaviors. Learn to read the signs when a student may become aggressive.
• Set and enforce reasonable classroom rules.
• Don’t get into power struggles with your students.
• Work with parents (if possible).
• Receive training in restraining holds that protect a teacher/aide.
• Problem solve with other teachers to see if they use techniques that work effectively in managing students.

Intervention — Steps to take if a student displays aggressive behavior

1. Address the student in a calm voice.
2. Seek help.
3. Document the behavior including what appeared to have triggered the behavior, what steps were taken to defuse the situation, and what disciplinary actions, if any, were taken.
4. Should the administration be notified? Follow your school procedures.

Consequences — Questions to ask if prevention and intervention steps are unsuccessful at improving a student’s behavior

• What disciplinary steps are taken?
• Has the behavior changed? If the disciplinary actions have not changed the behavior, do we need to take different disciplinary steps?
• Are school procedures being followed?

Behavioral issues can constantly change from minute to minute and it is one of the biggest challenges facing educators today. Work smart to minimize the likelihood of getting into a behavioral situation with a student. If a situation does arise be smart in how you respond to the situation by staying calm and seeking help if necessary.