[ChrisLit]

I'm having a problem with a student and could use some suggestions.

This student has been getting in trouble a lot in my class (I teach high school). I have him 9th period and he falls apart at the end of the day. I used to have a pretty good rapport with this student (I've had him 2 years in a row) but all of a sudden, his behavior is a whole new level.

He has been swearing like crazy and making really inappropriate sexual comments either mocking other boys or occasionally about me or other females in the school. We use a schoolwide behavior system (based on class dojo) and I give him negative points (swearing and disrespect are supposed to be automatically given negative points ie. no warning).

So far, I have given him the appropriate marks in dojo according to school policy. I have also pulled him out into the hall to try and speak with him, have asked the principal to speak with him and have referred him to the office. He has had after school detentions and in school suspensions because of his behavior (in my class and throughout the day).

Unfortunately, this has resulted in even more hostility on his end. He will walk into my class and say, "I'm going to make your class hell" and loudly talk to his peers about how much he wants to punch me and how much he would punch me if I wasn't female.

The more I give the consequences (that are the same as every other high school classroom) the more hostile he gets and the worse the behavior problems get.

What do I do? Is there any way to rebuild rapport? A different consequence or a different way of giving consequences? Should I be sending him to the office more? Or less? I'm really lost for what I can do to ease the tension-it's terrible for the other students in class and I'm stressed from ending every day on such a terrible note.

Any help would be much appreciated!

This is a student who demands immediate administrative intervention. The school-wide behavior system is a big joke to this child. Document every infraction that this kid commits and even keep an audio recordings of his outbursts if possible. Demand to have an emergency meeting in the next few days that includes: student, parents, law enforcement, principal, district office administrator, counselor, and any specialist from city or county services that may be working with this youth. Be prepared to clearly state the problems and your expectation that an effective intervention plan be developed by the participants at the meeting. If he/she is receptive to it, have your principal invite the principal from your district's alternative high school to the meeting. If nothing is done, the ticking time bomb is likely to explode!
I used to always send emails to everyone for the purpose of documentation and accountability.

[teachwonder]

I think Suggestion has good advice. Any idea why this kid did such a radical change? I know you've already thought of this, but have you checked with the parents to see what is going on? I worry about drugs, sexual abuse, serious home problems, something!

[cattleya]

Maybe he is being abused or molested at home? Has anything changed with his home life? Is he homeless? Is his family moving around? Is he running with a gang or getting in trouble with drugs/crime?