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

2. 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.
Moves closer…& puts hand on shoulder.
Pulls away, glares, & raises fist as if to strike.

3. How Do You React? Consider Your Own Intensity Over Time

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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)

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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!