Basic Prevention and De-Escalation Strategies Presentation Based on Research from Dr. Geoff Colvin

Jason, please turn in your assignment. What assignment? Teacher Jason Jason, please turn in your assignment. What assignment? The assignment you didn’t finish during class. I finished it. Great, please turn it in now. I don’t have it with me now. You have a choice: turn it in or do it again. You never believe me. I guess you’ve made the choice to do it again. Make me. That’s disrespect…go to the office. Bull@#&$! Moves closer…& puts hand on shoulder. Pulls away, glares, & raises fist as if to strike.

How Do You React? Consider Your Own Intensity Over Time

Managing the Cycle of Acting-Out Behavior in the Classroom By Dr Managing the Cycle of Acting-Out Behavior in the Classroom By Dr. Geoff Colvin: 7 Phases High Peak Acceleration De-escalation Agitation Trigger Recovery Calm Low

Phase 1: Calm Student is cooperative in Calm Phase: Strategy: Accepts corrective feedback Follows directives Sets personal goals Ignores distractions Accepts praise Strategy: Teach procedures while students are in the calm phase: Entering the classroom Getting to work immediately How to ask for help Bathroom procedures

Managing the Cycle of Acting-Out Behavior in the Classroom By Dr Managing the Cycle of Acting-Out Behavior in the Classroom By Dr. Geoff Colvin: 7 Phases High Peak Acceleration De-escalation Agitation Trigger Recovery Calm Low

Phase 2: Trigger Student experiences a series of unresolved conflicts: Repeated failures Frequent corrections Interpersonal conflicts Timelines Low rates of positive reinforcement It is important to provide as much positive reinforcement as possible Strategies: Reframing/Diffusing statements: Statements that help you stay personal with the student without personalizing the problem. Proximity and body language: Non-verbal behavior – it is important to recognize when a student needs space.

Managing the Cycle of Acting-Out Behavior in the Classroom By Dr Managing the Cycle of Acting-Out Behavior in the Classroom By Dr. Geoff Colvin: 7 Phases High Peak Acceleration De-escalation Agitation Trigger Recovery Calm Low

Phase 3: Agitation Student exhibits increase in unfocused behavior: Off-task Frequent start/stop on tasks Out of seat Talking with others Social withdrawal Strategies: Give non-academic task Providing successful engagements building behavioral momentum Proximity and body language It might be appropriate for a student to take a break Provide the student with reasonable choices as options/choices will help reduce the anxiety

Managing the Cycle of Acting-Out Behavior in the Classroom By Dr Managing the Cycle of Acting-Out Behavior in the Classroom By Dr. Geoff Colvin: 7 Phases High Peak Acceleration De-escalation Agitation Trigger Recovery Calm Low

Phase 4: Acceleration Student displays focused behavior. Provocative High intensity Threatening Personal It is critical to keep the safety of everyone involved in mind during this phase During this phase, a student is unable to think rationally and they are unable to exhibit self control Strategies: Avoid escalating prompts (continuing to give directions, explaining, etc.) Maintain calmness, respect and detachment (state you position and walk away – don’t engage)

Managing the Cycle of Acting-Out Behavior in the Classroom By Dr Managing the Cycle of Acting-Out Behavior in the Classroom By Dr. Geoff Colvin: 7 Phases High Peak Acceleration De-escalation Agitation Trigger Recovery Calm Low

Phase 5: Peak Student is out of control & displays most severe problem behavior. Physical aggression Property destruction Self-injury Escape/social withdrawal Hyperventilation You should be following the crisis plan in the peak phase There may be a need to clear the room

Managing the Cycle of Acting-Out Behavior in the Classroom By Dr Managing the Cycle of Acting-Out Behavior in the Classroom By Dr. Geoff Colvin: 7 Phases High Peak Acceleration De-escalation Agitation Trigger Recovery Calm Low

Phase 6: De-escalation Student displays confusion but with decreases in severe behavior: Social withdrawal Denial Blaming others Minimization of problem Remove excess attention Strategies: Proximity away from other students and adults (if at all possible, provide space for the student) Don’t force the student to talk, to look you in the eye, admit mistakes as they could escalate into the peak phase again

Managing the Cycle of Acting-Out Behavior in the Classroom By Dr Managing the Cycle of Acting-Out Behavior in the Classroom By Dr. Geoff Colvin: 7 Phases High Peak Acceleration De-escalation Agitation Trigger Recovery Calm Low

Phase 7: Recovery Student displays eagerness to engage in non- engagement activities. Attempts to correct problem. Unwillingness to participate in group activities. Social withdrawal & sleep It is very common for a student to be tired during the recovery phase and may need to sleep Strategies: Follow through with consequences for problem behavior Positively reinforce any displays of appropriate behavior Intervention is focused on re-establishing routines activities

Preventing Power Struggles Choose the right time Start off positive & praise Would you listen to yourself? Stay calm (at least appear calm) We know adults never win power struggles with students Strategies: Take small steps Don’t forget to laugh Teach/Reinforce M.Y.O.B. (Mind your own business) Don’t jump to conclusions Ask - “Do I have to have an audience?” Give/take a minute to cool down Remember proximity & personal space Don’t take the “bait” – It’s not about you!