What Can you Do?

Level 3 problems are the easiest to identify and handle in that there are specific procedures for helping students in crisis. Basically, you need to stay calm and know who to call for help. See How to make a referral.

In dealing with a student who exhibits Level 1 or Level 2 behavior you may choose to approach the student or the student may seek your help with a problem.

• Demonstrate your respect for the student by talking to the student when both of you have sufficient time and are in a private place free from disturbance by others.
• Be matter-of-fact. Control your emotions and it may help the student to do the same.
• Give the student your undivided attention.
• Express concern for the student in clear, direct, behavioral, non-judgmental terms (e.g., “I’ve noticed you’ve been absent from class lately and I’m concerned,” rather than “Why haven’t you been in class?” or “Where have you been lately?”).
• Listen to the student’s description of the problems which are interfering with his/her academic work in a respectful, non-threatening way.
• Let the student talk.

Convey support and understanding by summarizing what you hear the student saying by including both content and feelings (“It sounds as if the experience of moving away from home was a big change and now you’re feeling lonely and isolated”).