The Ripple Effect of Explosive Student Behaviors in Elementary Schools: Recommendations for School Leaders

• In Event: Leading for Organizational Change, Resilience, and Addressing Student Behavior

Abstract

Elementary schools in the U.S. are experiencing an epidemic of disruptive behavior, with one of the biggest problems being explosive outbursts (EO). EO have a ripple effect on the entire system of a school, especially impacting those standing on the frontlines: administrators. Studies exist to understand how to support the student having outbursts (Hertel, 2020), but a gap persists in the literature surrounding the elementary school educator's experience of these intense events. This study provided a clear, vivid picture of their experiences that can inform and inspire policy changes needed to support everyone in these scenarios appropriately. The future of school leadership requires us to understand this phenomenon through research and prepare our leaders to navigate it successfully.

Author

• Tanya DaMommio, Texas State University