Case
Abusive Student

There's a student who has behavior issues and anger issues. The student is in general education classes and is not diagnosed with anything other than ADD/ADHD. If they does not either get what they want or they so happened to get disciplined for misbehaving then the student will get so mad to the point where they either hit something, throw something, or hurt someone else. The single mother has been trying to put the student on different medication, but it has not helped. It has only made the situation worse. The mother came in one day and had a huge bruise on the back of her arm. She told me that the student had a really good privous week so during the weekend she rewarded the student with a video game. Apparently the game was the specific game that the student wanted so, the mother said that the student pinched her. The child says that they got mad about the mother not giving them the specific game that she said she was going too so the student punched the mother in the arm. I know if we suspect a child is being abused then we have to call DCF, but what exactly is suppose to happen if we think it is the other way around?

Posted on: 02/15/13 | Views: 1422
Solution #1
I absolutely think that the student needs to see a counselor, whether a counselor within the school or outside the school. Maybe the mother and child would also benefit from attending some counseling sessions together. The mother may feel at a loss as to how to help her child get the help that is needed or may not know where to go or who can help. I would suggest that the teacher talk to a guidance counselor within the school to inform them of the situation and see if they can contact the mother to help her schedule something or provide her with information and places that can help her. The mother needs to know that the child's behavior and abusive ways is not appropriate and needs to know that there are people that can help her and that she has support through it all.

I agree that this mother and son both ned to attend councilling together. I would discuss this with my admin for advice.

I agree with this solution.

I agree with what you have said.

10 0
Solution #2

Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/askotherteachers/public_html/xfunctions.php on line 356

Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/askotherteachers/public_html/xfunctions.php on line 364

Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/askotherteachers/public_html/xfunctions.php on line 365
Well I feel the first step you need to take is having the student talk to the guidance counselor to see if there is more to why he is acting out. You always want to find out what is triggering the student. Maybe in class take another approach when he is being disciplined and use incentives while he is in class.

I agree with this, you need to find out why he is acting out to fix the problem.

5 1
Solution #3
If discipline is one of the things that is triggering the behavior I would try to focus more on rewarding positive behavior than punishing the student for negative behavior. However, when the behavior begins to get aggressive administration should be notified immediately since most schools have specific school rules for handling bullying and aggressive/violent behavior. Administration should then, depending on the severity of the behavior, determine the next step for the child whether it is counseling or anger management classes. You should also speak to the parent one on one about the violent behavior the child is showing so that the parent is aware that it is not only a problem at home, but a problem that is interfering with the child's education.
1 0
Solution #4
Sometimes a medication like Ritalin or something of the like will have negative side effects with emotions. I would suggest not only to have the mother find an alternative way to handle the ADD/ADHD, but also seek a way to handle the emotional issues the child has.

It is always important to check medication side effects. For this specific disorder, I recommend Karate and Chess. These are positive ways for the student to release physical and mental energy in a safe and acceptable manner.

1 0
Solution #5
If the abuse is happening at home, I feel that you need to stay out of the situation. That would be the parent's responsibility to take care of. However, if he is abusing students or adults at school, immediate response would be required.

Even if the abuse is happening at home the issue should be addressed. Home behavior can transfer to school and that would create a dangerous classroom environment. There's no issue with providing resources offered by the school and district to address these major issues.

0 4