Case
Throwing a punch

Throughout class you notice that Chris and Keith are glaring at each other and making some snide comments, when they are within
ear-shot of each other. As your class begins to exit the room, Chris and Keith end up next to each other. Keith shoves Chris, which
results in Chris turning around and throwing a punch. Chris has caused many previous problems in your class all year – particularly
with the other children. He usually responds fairly well to you, but has had previous displays of aggressive behavior. Keith has
previous not caused any problems for you and typically is a very well-behaved young boy, just with a little more energy than others. What is next?

Posted on: 10/03/14 | Views: 1395
Solution #1
First, it should not of escalated. When the issue was first identified, I would have called an administrator long before the problem occurred. After the first physical action is reciprocated, it no longer matters who is at fault or who started it... The students are fighting, and all Georgia schools have zero tolerance regarding this. The code of conduct should be followed as defined. Teacher should break up fight as soon as possible to ensure student safety.

I find that I agree that it should have not happened in the first place though I think just from some glares in the classroom administration is not necessarily needed. Maybe pull them aside after to try and dissolve the situation.

I would not have called an administrator after a couple of glares. I would have pulled the students aside first to see if we could resolve the issue between myself and the two students. If it continued then I would have one of the students sit next to me or send a student to another classroom until we could address the issue better.

I like this solution. I think every school should have a zero tolerance for violence within the classrooms especially and it should be handled immediately.

Zero tolerance is something every school should abide by. Therefore, I would make it clear and addressed to the parents and the students. Otherwise, I would recommend a meeting with administration.

From what I know, a teacher is not required to put themselves in harms way to break up a fight and does so at their own risks. This would definitely be dealt with on a case-by-case situation depending on the students' age and size.

Zero tolerance should always been enforced.

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Solution #2
The next move is to talk to each student separately and write down each of their statements. Next, the teacher must follow the schools disciplinary plan and finally have the students talk amongst themselves and develop a plan to resolve the tension.
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Solution #3
I would first speak to both of the boys individually about the fighting. I would tell them that it is unacceptable behavior and I will hold them accountable and uphold the school rules. I would remind them of the school consequences and how that will affect them if they played sports or other curricular activities. Maybe through talking to the boys, I can find out why they are fighting. Finally, I would not permit the boys to exit together. If all else fails, I would involve other people: parents, resource officer and the principal.
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Solution #4
Well the question asks, "What is next?" so without trying to discuss the preventative measures, I would say that it seems that Keith, who generally is well-behaved, is the first to put his hands on the other student. Chris could be the victim of bullying and is causing problems because the situation has not been addressed or dealt with but this is speculation and must be checked out and evaluated. I would write a referral for both of the boys and would have a sit down with them and an administrator individually to get behind the root of the problem. Most problems do not start with a punch, most problems have been building up to it over a longer period of time.
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