Seeking Guidance on a Student Issue
Hi everyone! I’m hoping to get some advice regarding a student I work with. I’ll keep this brief since I’m at work.
I’m a teacher’s aide in the Special Education department and typically work with two middle school students each day. One of them, whom I’ll refer to as E, has autism and consistently engages in troubling behavior. Unfortunately, he often targets other students with harassment, and he shows disrespect toward both myself and other staff members.
I wouldn’t be reaching out if the issues were minor, but recently, E’s behavior has escalated. He directed racial slurs at two other Special Education students, both of whom are Black, which was extremely distressing to witness. Additionally, he has been physical—pushing and poking his peers—and has even made threats toward my brother, who is also in Special Ed, saying he wants to fight him.
I’m at a loss for what steps to take next, as it seems there has been no consequences for E’s actions, and our administration hasn’t responded to reports about his behavior. I would greatly appreciate any advice from parents or those with similar experiences on how to address this situation effectively. Thank you!
I’m really sorry to hear about the challenges you’re facing with E. It’s tough when someone else’s behavior affects the learning environment for everyone involved. It sounds like you’re doing your best to advocate for the students who are being harmed by his actions, which is commendable.
Here are some suggestions that might help you address the situation:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of E’s behavior, including dates, times, and specific incidents. This documentation can be crucial when discussing the matter with administration or other staff members.
Communicate with Your Team: Talk to your fellow teachers and staff who work with E. Collaborating with them to share observations and concerns can create a stronger case when you approach administration.
Involve a Counselor or Behavior Specialist: If your school has access to a counselor or behavior specialist, it may be beneficial to involve them. They can provide strategies and possibly offer insight into E’s behavior and how best to handle it.
Parent Engagement: If possible, reaching out to E’s parents may help. They should be made aware of their child’s behavior and its impact on others. Sometimes, parental involvement can prompt changes in behavior.
Seek Support from Administration: If you’re not getting the response you need from your admin team, it may be worth escalating the issue. Consider setting up a formal meeting with them to discuss your concerns and ask for specific actions to be taken.
Explore Restorative Practices: If your school utilizes restorative justice practices, this could be an avenue to explore. Engaging E in a conversation about the impacts of his actions might lead to greater awareness and accountability.
Advocate for Professional Development: Sometimes staff may benefit from training in managing challenging behaviors, especially for students with autism. Suggesting the need for workshops could help improve the overall approach in your school.
Your priority should remain on creating a safe environment for all students. Continue advocating for those who are affected, and don’t hesitate to seek support from those around you. It’s a tough situation, but your commitment to the well-being of all students is key. Good luck!