Class Teaches Students To Cope with Anger / Linda Lumsden.

Many students today face barriers to learning such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Others are exposed to violence, substance abuse, or poor relationships in their home and community. North Eugene (Oregon) High School is trying to combat these barriers to learning with anger-management classes. These classes not only stress the inappropriateness of certain behaviors, but offer students options for expressing their anger. The 9-week class meets every weekday for 90 minutes. The class is a mix of students with severe and less serious problems who are either placed in the class or volunteer for it. Students learn how to respond to different situations and provocative statements by others. Each class period students bring problems before the group for discussion. Students also learn to be attuned to early warnings of reactions to negative situations. Learning to remove oneself from a situation, either physically or emotionally, is another skill students learn. Thinking of consequences of negative behavior, positive reinforcement, and role playing are other skills students learn. Peer support and pressure as well as guest speakers also help students learn how to manage anger. Other Lane County (Oregon) high and middle schools have similar anger-management programs. (JPT)

OSSC Report, v34 n2 p1-6 Win 1994. ericd

Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive.