Aggressive Behavior and Possible Consequences

Six Categories of Student Misbehavior

Lower-level peer problems not on a list of rules (low-level mutual friendship conflicts not involving name-calling, exclusion, rumors, or threats) we can respond to these behaviors with suggestions of ways to resolve the problem (play with someone else, tell the person you want to be his or her friend, meet with the counselor together.)

Quiet, non-disruptive refusal to do schoolwork. Notify parents after two incidents. Set up a conference between teacher, parent and counselor and/or special educators after three incidents to develop a plan and/or screen for learning disabilities.

Inappropriate but not aggressive or unsafe actions (rough play or swearing but not directed at another child.) these behaviors are best dealt with by staff-created consequences such as removal from the activity or a call to parents.

Bullying (name-calling, systematic exclusion, rumors, threats or hitting). Use immediate consequences such as “You hit – you sit” for kindergarten and first grade. Each staff person should have a clipboard, and outside staff should take clipboard out to recess. Write up and submit a behavior report form if you see, hear, or have this behavior reported to you. You do not have to investigate students’ reports to you, though you may ask for more information if you have time. The principal will investigate student-reported behavior. Aggressive students should only be sent directly to the office if they represent a continuing threat to others. Use your judgment in reporting rumors, exclusion, and fighting. Please lean toward reporting if the behavior seems on-sided and likely to hurt. If there are three incidents, schedule a conference with parents, principal, and counselor to plan a strategy.

Class disruption (disrespect to teacher or disrupting others’ learning). Suggested interventions include a warning or asking the student to sit away from other students in the classroom. If the behavior continues, send the student to your partner classroom for fifteen minutes and have him/her stay in at the next recess detention as a consequence. Inform the counselor that the student received this consequence. Inform parents of events. If there are three such incidents, schedule a conference with principal to plan a strategy.

Sever behavior putting one’s own or others’ safety at risk, continued disruption of teaching; refusal to leave the room, continued or severe aggression, threat of severe aggression). Call or take the student to the office immediately.

Definitions of Aggressive Behavior

Rubric for Consequences for Peer to Peer Aggression
Grades 1-6

Over all suggestions for all incidences.

Teasing or Exclusion

Hitting

Severe hitting, threats of violence, or severe harassment

Rubric for Consequences for Peer to Peer Aggression
Middle School and High School

Over all suggestions for all incidences.

Teasing or Exclusion

Hitting

Severe hitting, threats of violence, or severe harassment

Source - Davis, S. (2005). Schools Where Everyone Belongs.

Dr. Robert Sweetland's Notes ©