De-Escalation with Low Intensity Antecedent Strategies: Implications for Disproportionate Disciplinary Outcomes
- Dana Page
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
In this insightful article from Beyond Behavior, authors Dr. Page and Dr. Landrum explore the dynamics of student-teacher interactions. The key factors that contribute to the escalation of conflicts between students and teachers include:
Triggers: Events that provoke anxiety or stress in students can set the stage for problem behavior. These triggers can occur in various contexts, such as at home, on the bus, or even in the hallway before entering the classroom. If not managed effectively, these triggers can lead to agitation and acceleration phases in the acting-out cycle, resulting in confrontations that escalate quickly,.
Cultural Disconnects: There is often a significant cultural mismatch between the predominantly White teaching workforce and the increasingly diverse student population. Behaviors that are acceptable within a student's cultural context may be misinterpreted by teachers, leading to disciplinary actions based on subjective judgments rather than objective assessments of behavior,.
Perception of Disrespect: Teachers may perceive certain student behaviors as disrespectful, which can trigger a defensive response. This perception can lead to a fear of losing control in the classroom, prompting teachers to react swiftly and punitively rather than employing de-escalation strategies.
Lack of Proactive Strategies: The absence of proactive, positive antecedent strategies can exacerbate situations. When teachers do not anticipate potential trouble spots or do not engage students positively, minor infractions can escalate into serious disciplinary issues,.
Rapid Progression through the Acting-Out Cycle: The progression from calm to agitation and then to acceleration can happen very quickly. Teachers and students may be overwhelmed by the speed and intensity of this cycle, making it difficult to manage conflicts effectively,.
By addressing these factors, educators can work towards reducing the likelihood of conflict escalation and fostering a more positive classroom environment.
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