Wash. DC: Teachers "fed up with misbehaving students"; 'not enough supports for these violent children'

Aug 13, 2025, WJLA, Arlington, VA: Disruptive behavior in the classroom: Sharing your solutions and seeking expert advice

https://wjla.com/news/local/classroom-crisis-disruptive-bad-behavior-sharing-solutions-parents-educators-students-staff-expert-advice-unruly-kids-violent-children-parenting-interruptions-in-school-research-professor-washington-dc-maryland-virginia-montgomery-county 

WASHINGTON (7News) — Many educators and parents tell 7News they're fed up with misbehaving students who disrupt local classrooms.

We've shared parents' stories who tell us these kids have thrown items, threatened their children and even hit them.

Last month, as part of our Crisis in the Classroom coverage, 7News asked you to provide your solutions. Here's the feedback we received:

"Parents need to get back to parenting and not just sticking an iPad or video game in front of their face so the parents don't have to deal with them."

Worried Teacher told us:

"There are not enough supports for these violent children. They should be removed so other children can learn."

Gordius E. Richardson suggested:

..."cameras and audio recordings should be in all classrooms as a way to account for trouble students interrupting classes..."

MaryGJ commented:

"Unfortunately, programs and schools that deal with behavioral issues, behaviorists, and alternative ed are experiencing gutting funding cuts, causing many to close. We know how to serve these kids. We can help them become safe, and provide a path for growth and success..."

Charrcrome advised:

"Parents need to come in to discuss with the teacher and the student. In school suspension for a week, and a parent must sit in the in school suspension room with their child. Next is out of school suspension. The parent and the student must attend youth services classes...."

7News also spoke to Doug Fuchs, PhD, who serves as Research Professor in the Departments of Special Education and Psychology and Human Development at Vanderbilt University.

The former classroom teacher has helped educators improve academic performance in students with behavior problems. He told us most classroom teachers lack the necessary training to handle these issues.

Fuchs recommends training begin on the collegiate level for aspiring educators, to ensure they're equipped with the tools they need once they transition to full-time teaching positions.

He also explained that over the last two decades, there's been a push to put special education students into general education classrooms, which Fuchs says puts added pressure on teachers.

"The person responsible for the bad behavior is the kid. But who is also responsible for that behavior? It is the school and the people in the school who are also part of that story. If they are not doing what they could be doing to manage, to mitigate what we're talking about, they are part of the problem," Fuchs said.

Fuchs recommends that schools find appropriate opportunities during the school day when kids can be trained to work constructively and supportively with one another.