Dealing with Disgruntled Students

You have shared your expectations, taught procedures, organized your routines and materials, and yet there are times when students will test you despite your efforts. Dealing with disruptive student behavior requires you to continue modeling professionalism and empathy. Understanding why your student is responding in a disruptive way will help you find a long-term solution. It will require an amount of patience in seeing that certain issues won’t be solved in a day. Students can sense your reactivity or sincerity in helping them solve their issues. A sincere effort to help them resolve their current issues and grow from them will yield better long-term results. Be aware of reacting too quickly. Remember to breathe. Be sure to seek help and look for resources when needed. Systems to support the social-emotional needs of all students need to be maintained so that all students can grow. Under PBIS, these general supports that apply to all students are known as Tier 1 support. Some students may need more personalized plans in place and may have a Tier 2 or Tier 3 plan in their classroom.

When you encounter your first incident, start with de-escalating the situation. Check your breathing and your reactions first so that you can calmly approach the student to understand what is happening. Empathizing with them will let them know that you are there to support and assist them, even through mishaps. Assess the safety of the situation and look for assistance from other Student Hires staff if needed. Let the students know you have high expectations for them and they are responsible for their choices, but there is support anytime they need help.

Getting to know your students early on can help prevent undesirable situations from escalating, or happening in the first place. Where you stand, where you look, and where you give your attention, can reassure students that you are present and care about what is happening. Predicting and preventing misbehaviors will help decrease the need to de-escalate situations that get out of hand. Proximity can be helpful for students with more needs. Situate yourself strategically to help students maintain control. For most students, having an adult standing closer, even when not directly interacting with them, helps to keep them on track. Be on the lookout for what students may be doing correctly and praise them for their efforts and areas of strength. They will be more willing to accept your help if they sense you see them as a whole person and you’re not just focusing on an incidence of bad behavior.

Connecting to PBIS:

Develop strategies and practices to prevent behaviors that do not support a safe learning environment.

Know when to seek help and gather strategies if Tier 1 supports are not effective.