Referrals

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Home : 2005 : April : 20

Referrals
By Dan

I don't write up a lot of referrals, and I do it only when absolutely necessary. I write them mostly when I'm in a high school or middle school, and very rarely when I'm in an elementary.

Here's when I write referrals:
1.
A student hits or punches another or throws an object at another that can cause injury. I have to use a lot of personal judgment here because hitting is very common in schools. However, when I see that a student is getting very nasty with another, I write him/her up.
2. A student swears at me. This is an automatic referral for me. It happens, but not often.
3. A student uses

profane language in class. When I hear some foul words, I'll pleasantly ask the student to watch his/her language. This often fixes the problem. However, if the foul language persists I write up a referral.

4. A student shows gross disrespect for me and/or fellow students. Example: A student constantly interrupts me, shouts out disruptive remarks, or makes it difficult to start class. When this happens, I give the student a warning. If the student continues with the disruptive behavior or starts to argue with me, I write a referral.

If I have a very unruly class (fortunately not often) I try to identify the ringleaders. Sometimes all it takes is to get one or two of the worst ones out, and the classroom atmosphere improves.

There is another option that I sometimes use, although it is not always available. If a student is acting up, but I know that the student has some personal issues and is working with a counselor or social worker, I'll try to send him/her to one of these people.