When a student acts out in class, there are two basic things that are important for the teacher to do: First, document everything! Documenting what you see, and what you do in response. This will not only help provide vital information to the guidance counselor or special education teachers who will help you gain control of this student, but will provide a safety net of sorts if the student or the student’s parents turn around and accuse the teacher of an improper response. Second, know when the behavior requires an immediate conversation with the guidance counselor.
How to Document Student Behavior in Class
Teachers need to simply write down neutral comments stating what behaviors the student exhibits. Is the child mimicking those around her? Document what the child mimics, and how often you notice the behavior. Does the child act out aggressively? Write down what happened immediately prior to the aggressive act each time it happens.
It is important that the documentation does not contain opinions – the comments should state only what is happening without any judgment of the behavior. For example, stating that Sammy gets out of his seat without permission x amount of times during the day is valid. Stating that Sammy is bored and gets out of seat to find something more interesting to do requires a judgment call that while it may be true, is not what documentation of behavior is all about.
It is also helpful to include any triggers to the behavior, keeping in mind that these have to be neutral and not judgment calls. These triggers are those actions or events that happen directly prior to the action. This will help the special educator or guidance counselor understand the behaviors a little better.
Documenting Teacher Response to Student Behavior
When documenting a student’s behavior it is also important to finish by stating the exact consequence provided to the student and the student’s response to this consequence. If a child screams and rips up his paper, throwing the pieces to the floor, write exactly what your response was to this behavior. This documentation should include both your verbal and nonverbal reaction to the child.
When documenting these responses to the student’s behavior, the teacher helps to expedite the process of receiving help for out of control student behavior. Instead of offering suggestions for things to try (which often the teacher may have already tried), those professionals specializing in helping improve student behavior will be able to offer more pertinent and helpful advice.
Some Student Behaviors Require Immediate Contact with the Guidance Counselor
Some things that indicate a need to go directly to the guidance counselor without attempting any interventions first:
- Student draws a disturbing picture (dead people or animals, weapons, etc. you will know when you see the picture if it needs addressed immediately)
- Any comments from the student about violence or other abuse at home
- Talk of bullying or being bullied
- Any unexplained bruises (if two adults get different answers as to the origin of a bruise, this is a red flag)
Students will act out in class. Teachers need to start documenting the behaviors and talking to the school guidance counselor or special educator to find out what else can be done for the students.
