Illinois house lawmakers are looking at an increase in school violence. At the latest hearing of the house public safety and violence prevention task force, legislators heard from teacher’s groups about the growing number of severe student behavioral problems. Shianne Shivley with the Illinois education association read testimonials from educators about being kicked, bitten, screamed at and threatened by students.
“Last week a student made threats to a teacher and said he is conducting a survey with other students to figure out which teacher he should kill. A coworker reported this incident to the principal and other management at the district. Nothing has been done and the student is back in class.”
Shivley says that teachers are looking for more support from school administrators, consequences for violent behavior, mental health support and social workers on staff.
***Courtesy of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services***