Troublemakers

     In Troublemakers, Carla Shalaby critiques the education system’s handling of students labeled as “troublemakers,” framing them as "canaries in the mine" who signal deeper systemic issues. Shalaby argues that children who may have challenging behaviors are punished for not conforming to an "easy" kid and that stifles their own individuality. Instead of looking at a broader picture of the school system, teachers have a tendency to blame students themselves and try to force them to "fit" into the environment.  

    I find one of the biggest issues is children are punished for acting like children. Either they are distracted, tired, loud, antsy, or just bored. Children have these big emotions and expressions and are punished for exhibiting behaviors that are natural for their age. Expecting any child from 2-6 years old to sit still and be engaged for long periods of time is completely unrealistic. Even trying to keep a child of those ages entertained for longer than 30 minutes is a challenge in itself. When teachers expel children for acting this way it only prevents them from growing and developing. This behavior from children is normal. It is how the school chooses to act about it that is the problem; schools should start accommodating the needs of these young children. Going into elementary education I know how important it is for me to understand that kindergarteners are in school for the first time ever for six hours. That is a lot for a child to take especially when they are used to being at home and playing. Because of this I will make sure to accommodate any needs they have to avoid these big feelings exploding and instead showing them empathy. 

    The problem does not stop here. Older children are also being pushed out of school for acting out when instead a conversation should be had. My sister works for a drug free coalition in Massachusetts and fight for students who are caught vaping or smoking to not be suspended. Why? She believes by pushing the student out of school for this behavior only puts them back at home or to their dealer to do it again. If anything they know if they smoke in school then they get to go home. Instead, she believes in an intervention where a discussion on behavior should be have to figure out why or how they are smoking.  I agree, every student has a reason for how they act, and rather than labeling them as "problem children," it’s important to build relationships with them and understand what they need. Suspending or expelling students often only worsens the problem and it does not help by disrupting their education either. 

    In conclusion, there needs to be a transformation in how educators and schools approach discipline and behavior management. Misbehaviors should not be something punished and instead the student should receive some sort of resources instead of being kicked out of school. We as educators should create environments that are flexible, nurturing, and empathic to the needs of individual students. By doing this the student can grow, express, and develop into their own person without being labeled as a troublemaker.   The rigid methods of the past need to be replaced with more empathetic, student-centered approaches that recognize the complexities of each child’s experience and potential. 

Here is my sisters drug free coalitions solution is to suspension when regarding the use of any form of drugs or alcohol: IDECIDE