We have successfully completed the first quarter of the school year and are well on our way to a much-needed winter break and the holiday season! As students show resistance, adults must be more intentional than ever before. The reduction of resistance is to increase trust so we can coach students to take on and overcome hard things. When approaching a student who is quick to escalate, remember to: 

1. Use a quiet voice that sounds assured and confident.
2. Go to the student, staying an arm’s length away but keeping other students from coming between you.
3. Clearly communicate that what you are asking may be hard. 

This builds grit and increases confidence and self-worth.

Adjusting to a new living situation at home, Mark ran down the hallway screaming on his first day at a new school. Overstimulated and overwhelmed, his behavior was as out of control as his emotions. Many adults would want to give up on the student. In fact, Mark’s previous school did. Fortunately, Hocker Grove Middle School adopted the BIST model, providing them with the tools and structure to support students like Mark and the ability to outlast his behavior and progress toward healing.