District Implements De-Escalation Strategies
Since the start of the 2021-22 school year, Beaumont ISD has been rolling-out a de-escalation culture across the District.
“This type of climate and culture gives teachers the strategies needed to support regulating student behavior as well as teaches students the skills needed to process and manage their own emotions,” said Jacqueline Shirey, At-Risk Coordinator. “The goal of implementing de-escalation spaces in classrooms is to help students remain in the learning environment, instead of having to leave class completely.”
The first phase of the de-escalation implementation was to provide training to all campus administrators and teachers on strategies to respond to students who are triggered, stressed or escalating in their behavior. The second phase was to create de-escalation spaces, often labeled “Calming Corners” or “Take 5 Tables,” in rooms throughout the campus.
“Tools for de-escalation spaces consist of items that promote mindfulness and emotional regulation,” said Shirey. “Keeping one’s hands busy when stressed or anxious is a self-regulation mechanism that provides the brain with the stimulation needed to take the focus away from the stressor.”
The de-escalation starter kits contain and assortment of the following:
- Sensory items (ex. stress balls, pipe cleaners, gel shapes, yarns, liquid sensory viewers etc.)
- Posters that promote guided breathing exercises
- Sand timers
- Complex coloring pages and word searches that refocus the brain
- Writing prompts for self reflection
- Other necessary supplies to create a space for students to use as needed.
“The team of behavior interventionists from campuses across BISD, as well as the Curriculum and Instruction department, worked tirelessly to unpack 12 pallets to then organize, assemble and distribute 1,175 bins containing a de-escalation space “starter kit” for teachers and staff across the district,” said Shirey. “Every bin was carefully designed to be developmentally appropriate based on the grade level of students from PreK-12th grade.”
“We will continue to prioritize this implementation and provide teachers and staff strategies and tools throughout the school year to meet the needs of our students,” said Shirey.