Article paper #1

Current events article #1
Classroom Behavior Problems Increasing, Teachers Say
Jennifer Williams
Upper Iowa University
EDU: 462









Behavioral problems in all grade levels seem to be increasing every year. As far as teaching goes, it takes away the learning time when a teacher has to referee a fight going on in the back of the classroom. Teachers often ask themselves, "what can I do about Jimmy whom never listens, or Sally whom always hits her friends?" The proper resources and trainings need to become more frequent in order for teachers to feel comfortable in their own ability.
Ten thousand teachers were surveyed across all 50 states, and of the teachers that have been in the same school for five years or more have seen the behavioral issues increase drastically. Whenever a child acts out, it affects the entire classroom. It's not fair to the students whom want to sit and listen and learn. When a teacher has to step in to discipline a child, it takes away that precious learning time, everyday. Some teachers say they just don't have the resources in their school. The others say that they don't get enough training on this specific issue.  An elementary teacher stated, "The time it takes to referee fights and solve bullying issues takes away from academic instruction and keeps students from achieving as much as they could," (2012).
When it comes to ethnicity or socioeconomic groups, it has nothing to do with the behavior. Teachers from all over the states and in every grade level have reported that a high percentage of low-income students have been the ones acting out, although high-income students are trailing very close behind. Behaviors will come from any ethnic group as well. There are reasons for acting out, and most of the time it is something happening at home.
Children act out because they either want attention, want power and/or control, or are missing something in their lives whether it be lack of food or sleep. Family factors play a big role in a child's behavior. The more parents are involved and encouraging to their child, the more the child will be excited for school and will succeed. When a parent puts on too much negative encouragement, that can lead to a child becoming rebellious or dealing with anxiety.  Divorce is another hard one to deal with. Any kind of change in a family setting can be detrimental on the student. The child could feel lost, isolated, or disliked by one or both parents. When violence is happening in the home, the child will see that as the only way to deal with things, therefore the only way to act in the classroom setting.
Teachers are committed to helping all their students succeed, including those with behavioral issues (2012).  Although teachers are committed, they need help. Sometimes, dealing with different behaviors can be stressful and quite possibly burn a teacher out. Teachers say they need more professional development and trainings offered to them.  Seventy-two percent of teachers reported they need more resources such as counselors or social workers (2012).  A lot of time, for teachers, is spent creating an atmosphere for all students to feel safe.
Prevention and Intervention are very important when controlling a classroom. By preventing a behavior to happen, can makes things a lot easier for the teacher and for the other students as well. If a teacher has an organized and trusting classroom, that can help with the behavioral child feeling "wanted", therefore stopping the behavior before it happens. Observations help with this as well. Intervention is stopping the problem right after it happens. Teachers need to focus on teaching the students social skills by working the problem out themselves. The teacher can always intervene if needed. Also, identity is very important. The deviant child needs to acknowledge him/herself what the behavior they did was and why it was wrong.
Teachers need to understand that there will be behavioral issues of all kinds, every year they teach. They need to know how to come about this and feel comfortable with their ability. Showing that you care and are trustworthy will be a significant asset.  When a teacher learns about each of their students, that will help a lot as well. Showing every student that they are just as important as the other makes a big difference in a child's eye. Patience is the key to teaching.






















REFERENCES
"Classroom Behavior Problems Increasing, Teachers Say | Scholastic.com." Scholastic, Helping Children Around the World to Read and Learn | Scholastic.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 July 2013. <http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/classroom-behavior-problems-increasing- teachers-say

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