• Edwin Rhodes Elementary is committed to ensuring that problem behaviors are well defined for staff, students and families. Below are some definitions of problem behaviors that may result in an office referral:

    Minor Problem Behavior

    Definition

    Defiance

    Student engages in brief or low-intensity failure to follow directions or talks back.

    Disrespect

    Student delivers low-intensity, socially rude or dismissive messages to adults or students.

    Horseplay

    Student engages in non-serious, but inappropriate physical contact.

    Poor Peer Interactions

    Student engages in behaviors that inhibit his/her ability to form positive relationships with peers

    Inappropriate Language or Gestures

    Student engages in low-intensity instance of inappropriate language, not specifically directed at an individual

    Impeding Peers’ Learning

    Student engages in low-intensity behaviors that irritate others, possibly including making noises, tapping, wandering, etc. 

    Misuse of Property

    Student engages in low-intensity misuse of property, possibly including accidental breakage

    Non-Compliance

    Student fails to follow schoolwide location expectations

    Untruthful

    Student knowingly tells falsehoods that negatively impact others.

    Uncooperative

    Student engages in low-intensity argumentation, delayed compliance with teacher directive, or other uncooperative but safe behavior.

    Technology Violation

    Student engages in non-serious, but inappropriate (as defined by school) use of cell phone, music/video players, camera, and/or computer.

     

    Major Problem Behavior

    Definition

    Arson 

    Student plans and/or participates in malicious burning of property.

    Assault

    Student engages in actions involving serious physical contact where injury may occur (e.g., hitting, punching, hitting with an object, kicking, hair pulling, scratching, etc.).

    Bullying

    The repeated delivery of direct or technology-based messages that involve intimidation, teasing, taunting, threats, or name calling. 

    Committed Obscene Act

    Student engages in actions that are obscene or sexual in nature.

    Controlled Substance

    Student is in possession of or is using illegal substances, including drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

    Destruction of Property /Vandalism

    Student participates in an activity that results in destruction or disfigurement of school or private property .

    Fighting

    Student is involved in mutual participation in an incident involving physical violence.

    Harassment

    The delivery of disrespectful messages in any format related to gender, ethnicity, sex, race, religion, disability, physical features, or other protected class.

    Profanity Towards Student or Staff

    Student delivers verbal messages that include swearing, name calling, or obscene language directed at a particular individual.

    Theft

    Student is in possession of or is responsible for removing someone else's property.

    Weapons

    Student is in possession of a knife, gun (real or look alike), or other object readily capable of causing bodily harm.

     

    In addition, we take into consideration the function of the behavior. The function is determined by what a child hopes to get or to avoid by engaging in the problem behavior:

    Possible Function

    Definition

    Gain Peer Attention

    Student engages in problem behavior(s) to gain attention of peer(s).

    Gain Adult Attention 

    Student engages in problem behavior(s) to gain attention of adult(s).

    Gain/obtain Item

    Student engages in problem behaviors(s) to get a specific item

    Gain/obtain Activity

    Behavior is intended to gain the student a preferred activity.

    Avoid Peers

    Student engages in problem behavior(s) to get away from/escape peer(s).

    Avoid Adults

    Student engages in problem behavior(s) to get away from/escape adult(s).

    Avoid Seat Work

    Student engages in behavior to avoid individual work. 

    Avoid Group Work

    Behavior is intended to get a student removed from a group activity.

    Avoid Scheduled Event

    Behavior is intended to get a student out of a particular activity (i.e. PE).