by Melvin Palmer

Created on: October 09, 2009   Last Updated: October 11, 2009

My last few years of work in Special Education at a regular elementary school found me in the position of intervening with students in crisis. A student with defiance disorder and his teacher created one of the most dire problem situations. I was able to effectively diffuse the situation. Ideally situations that cause students to enter a crises state need to be avoided.

Identifying students that may have defiance disorder isn't difficult. These students argue frequently, even their friends. Tell them what to do, and they won't. Say that you like them, and they will say they hate you. If the student consistently displays this kind of behavior, see your school psychologist.

Dealing with students that show defiant disorder is easily. Clearly communicate class rules, establish and evaluate weekly goals, give choices, and using a calm voice will help create an environment conducive to less frequent problems with a defiant disorder student.

Clearly communicating your class rules means that they are posted in the class and students can recite them from memory. The rules need to be positive, short and clearly stated. You need no more than 4- 5 standards. My two favorites are 'work quietly' and 'always do your best'.

Meet with the defiant student to establish a behavioral goal that lasts a week or longer. A great goal is saying, 'Yes Ms. Teacher'. The first week the student can keep track of their response with a 3x5 card tapped to a desk. The student may tally the number of times the target behavior is achieved. This week establishes a base line. When the student is able to improve on that score a reward is offered at the end of the week, for example sending a good note home.

Defiant students are very self-directed. A strategy for using this characteristic in a positive way is to offer them choices. Classes run on order. You can control the order if you manage the choices. Students feel more self-directed when they have choices. Defiant students need choices like, 'You can do your work or take this note to room 9'. Of course the defiant student will choose the walk to room 9. When the defiant student returns then the choice may be, 'You may work on your math or writing assignment.' When the chips are down, give choices. The defiant student can choose between a talk with the principal or doing the work, returning homework or doing it during recess, and playing cooperative with other students or taking a 2-minute time out.

One of the most effective tools in dealing with the defiant student is agreeing with them. If they say, ' The principal is stupid' you say 'I hear that you feel the principal is not very smart.' 'No one likes me', you say ' That is so sad that you feel that no one likes you.' Not arguing is a very good strategy for calming the defiant student.

Most important is a calm and firm voice. Getting emotional with a defiant student sends a signal that the arguing is getting to you. Classmates need to understand that your agreeing with the way a student feels is a technique for calming the student. It does not mean you agree with what the student is saying.

An extremely dysfunctional family causes defiant disorder. You staying calm and developing a program that establishes rules, provides choices, and develops social skills will facilitate fewer situations that a defiant student gains control and goes out of control.

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