And think about this VTech situation as well. How far can the educators go before the ACLU steps in with a lawsuit.

I am a public high school special education teacher...does opinion change if the child has special needs?  What if he has bipolar disorder, mental retardation, autism, ADHD, emotional disturbance, etc.  If the child has made threats, what are the rights of the other kids and the teachers?  And the ACLU, it doesn't take them long to step in:(

And Wyatt, I have prayed with my students as per their request on an individual basis.

Who decides if it is "all talk" or a potentially dangerous situation, as mentioned in all the Virgina Tech stuff?

My opinion, to "what do we do"...  Pray, love, and protect the students to the best of our abilities.  Follow the law, even if others don't, listen when the kids talk pay attention to what they are REALLY saying.  Children have the right to go to school in a safe environment.  Parents have the responsibility to monitor their child's behavior and seek help when needed.

I know I kind of got off course...hot topic for me!

Anxious to hear what others are thinking

Hey, I appreciate what you are saying.

That's sort of my whole point- I don't think its fair to the teachers and administrators to point fingers like I have seen in the media (especially the day VT happened) and assume there was more to be done. Out of all those journalists, I wondered how many of them sat in a classroom everyday and deal with students who come in with stories that break your heart, or the ones that don't fit in, or the ones who are being bullied, or the ones who are the bully....

I'm with you on the question- who decides if it is all talk? What happens when you falsely accuse one?

You are right on course and please give me all the advice you can. I am new to this teaching gig.

I personally refer all questionable incidents, comments, or anything discerned to the counselors.  Mostly, it is "trash talk".  But there are a few kids that I have come across recently that truly concern me - for them and those of us around them.  Without parental involvement, it is difficult.  It is most difficult with children with special needs (identified as Special Education students).  The laws are different.  There are very good reasons why some laws are in place, but the "spirit" of many of the laws and regs are being missed.  School boards are protecting the civil rights of one and putting many in danger, at times - teachers and students included.

A couple of things - CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) is a very good "method"/training for dealing with kids when violent behaviors are present.  It is actually very effective if used to prevent the occurance of behaviors.  It teaches you how to intervene - literally.  How to stand, where to stand, when to say certain things, etc.  It also teaches you what I call "teacher self-defense" (blocking a kick/punch, getting out of a bite, hair-pull, etc)  and physical restraint of a child/teen.

I have had to use many of the techniques for prevention, blocked a couple of punches (although I was kicked in the ear once-oops missed that one!), and had to physically restain teens.  It works and it's safe and does not hurt the child.

I also pray for my kids (although at a public school).  My prayers are usually silent, but I'll lightly touch a child on the back while walking around the class and pray for a supernatural touch from the Father.  I'll pray with them at their request.

As far as making judgement calls, that's the hard one.  I refer almost everything to the counselor's office, because I don't quite feel qualified to judge their intent.  I do, however, look deeper and act quicker with certain things:

1. alleged abuse...always report - whether you think it's the truth or not.  if it's reported to you, you have to report.

2. Kids and teens say stupid things "I'll kill you if you don't quit" or "Oh, man, I wanted to kill Mr. Smith when he said we had another quiz coming up."  When a kid has any sort of a "plan" , flags go up.  Example "I'll grab the school safe officer's gun and shoot you." or "I will stab you with this fork"  Comments that are specific or seem thought out are more concerning.

3. Art work tells alot.  I don't just look at the drawing (could mimic a movie or cartoon character - the japanese cartoons look freaky to me), look at the "story" that is being drawn.

Okay these are just a few things others have taught me in my teaching journey.  If anyone has more, I'd love to hear them.  I think it would be great for us all to share ideas for helping these kids.  they aren't the future...they are the present!  Love 'em!

Thank you so much for the insight.

I see alot of misdirected anger, like hitting a wall in frustration, especially in one young man. I have heard threats of fighting from this boy. Now, I have to tell you- there are a few students i wouldn't mind him getting a hold of! LOL

I would have never thought to listen for the plan in the comments. That's awesome info.

My cousin, a Born-Again High School teacher, told me the other day:

"This kid "Billy" made me so mad.  I wanted to lay hands on him...and not in the Biblical sense."  I thought that was funny but true.  I used to throw things when I got really mad (not as a child, as a young adult).  I wanted to be really rebellious, but I would wait until no one was around and would make sure I was okay with whatever it was breaking.  Don't know why, just made me feel better.  I guess if you are in control enough to choose what and when the throw or to act out, you are really not "out of control"????

With you being at a private school, what about having a mentor program with area churches.  maybe and interdenominational thing?  Almost like a big brother/big sister thing, but for teens and completely biblical?  Could work for a private institution.

About the Holly Beach stuff on the other blog...just kidding.  I am praying for His will and His direction...it was just wishful thinkning.  I don't know if the Lord will send anyone there again, or if who He does send will answer the call.