Human Punch-bag????Help!

[Unregistered]

I am a new teacher in a 12-1-1 kindergarten class. I have several children with IEP's indicating really only partially the issues these students face. For the most part, the students are said to have speech and language impairments. I cannot diagnose the students, but I am sure at least three have needs that I cannot meet with my current training and resources.

My question to all seasoned teachers is this: how much physical abuse should I realistically expect to take from the kids? I have a big black and blue mark on my leg from a student who kicked me with great strength and intention, and I was bit and punched twice all in this week. The school would not allow me to file an incident report form-so these students will face no real consequences. Should I expect to come home with black and blue marks and consider it part of the job? Or should I pursue the administration--come what may regarding how they view me as a non-compliant new teacher. I always worry about my formal observations. The administration can make my life miserable if they do not like me. Any takers to this question?

[Unregistered]

No, you should not be a punching bag or anything slightly resembling. What is your school's student discipline plan? Look in the student's file for a Behavior Modification Plan. Have you read the student's' files? There should be documentation stating the specific disability(ies) of each student. What type of classroom management plan do you have in place? Take some classroom management classes. Believe me the information and techniques will help. Discuss with the parents (if you can) the inappropriate behavior(s) of the student(s), and ask for their suggestions towards correcting those inappropriate behaviors.

Some behaviors are expected depending on the type of disability and coping skills of a particular student. Autism, Defient Behavior Disorders, Socially Maladjusted, and various Emotional Disturbances... etc... are illinesses that contribute to black and blue bruises inflicted upon others. Teaching special education students can be somewhat overwhelming at times. Please relax and learn the methods and techniques to dealing with inappropriate behaviors. Do you have a TA in your class to help you maintain control? You must be assertive and have a classroom management plan? There should be consequences for rule infractions in your classroom management plan. Do not allow the students to hurt you. You must be very astute and attentive to their unspoken behaviors and feelings. Observation is the key. Normally there is an antecedent to incidences that occur and you have to just be aware. This will happen over time and not over night. Remain diligent. Talk to veteran teachers. Well, I suppose that's what you're doing now.


Here are some suggestions -
1. If you belong to a teacher's union seek advice from a representative, if not join one.
2. Keep a journal of conversations between you any one you've spoken with regarding this concern and take pictures of bruises.

I really hope some of the above has helped you. You can do it!

[Unregistered]

I am in a mainstreaming course right now. I found the advice to take courses, take pictures and to give yourself time to learn how to manage your classroom all to be excellent, sage advice. I don't think classroom management is taught enough in teacher education programs. It should be the emphasis and the underlaying structure and basis for every education course taught. As students of education as potential teachers, we are taught that: When Misbehavior Happens, Learning Does Not. You have to make others teach you/give you the knowledge and skills to be in control of classroom management. These are management skills most people can learn.

[Unregistered]

You need to get a way for these children to recieve a concequence for their actions. A fellow collegue of mine was also on the recieving end of a kid constantly spitting on her. By not stepping in and giving concequences, the kid continued the behaviour and didn't stop until another individual stepped in. If nothing is done, the child learns that it's ok to do this and will not stop.
That's all.

[Unregistered]

Special Ed or no Special Ed, the school is probably required by law to report physical abuse to the proper authorities.

[Unregistered]

Take a look at the previous question on this message board from the mother with an autistic son - down towards the end of the all the replies are LOTS of EXCELLENT suggestions regarding FBA's and BIPs (Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavior Intervention plans)...

The first and foremost thing to consider is WHAT is the CAUSE of the behavior or "Antecedent" -- this is the MAIN focus (I think)....if the FBA is done correctly, you'll find a pattern and go from there - your SPED team and administrator should help you with these. Whatever is TRIGGERING the behavior..this is what needs to be addressed - NOT what's happening when it escalates to the point that it is unmanageable....this is where training comes in for the teacher to be able to AVOID this from happening...
REMEMBER - "Don't take it personally" and don't get in a power struggle. Students, indeed, must know who's in charge - but you're in charge ALL the time - not JUST when there is a behavioral issue.

Training is the key -- watch the teachers around you -- there are a few teachers in my building who NEVER get in a conflict or severe behavior problems in their classrooms....but I KNOW WITHOUT A DOUBT if you put THAT child with a DIFFERENT teacher - there WOULD be struggles - watch (and listen) to the successful teachers. It's not so much how they handle behavior issues (notice I don't use the word 'problem') but their OVERALL DAY TO DAY classroom management that's the key...the preventative measures.

Good Luck...

[Nicolette Brata]

Have you ever tried to set up a video camera somewhere in your classroom to record activities/incidents? Your recording might help you to think of strategies to help next time / recognize the problem earlier - be prepared for the 'attack' / show others what is really happening in your classroom.