the resources. If you’re going to walk the talk, you have to have the resources to meet the talk.”
Parents Become Part of the Team Martin describes video as “a pretty inte-
gral part of society.” “Tere are cameras and other forms of observation systems everywhere. What we
have to do is figure out how to use them in the most positive way. When we were kids, if something was going to take our picture when we were doing something, we’d be mortified that our parents would see it. Tese days, when some kids see a camera it’s a cause for them to act out,” he adds. Kala Henkensiefken, transportation
coordinator for the Brainerd (Minn.) Inde-
pendent School District and a member of the Minnesota Association of Pupil Trans- portation, underscores Martin’s point about the need for well-considered policies and procedures to address bullying complaints. “We start by asking the driver. We pull the video. Tere are times when we are not quite sure, and that’s where the building princi- pals will pull in kids and interview them. “Tat’s why we want more cameras, so
we have shots of the stairwell and shots in the middle of the bus. We have a team that works together — the driver, contractor, and building administrator, if it’s a child with special needs we’re going to pull in the case manager, and me. We want to make sure we are protecting everyone and that we are getting the full story,” Henkensiefken says. She is a strong proponent of video tech-
nology to resolve potential bullying and abuse complaints and as a coaching tool. “Video is very important to us,” she
acknowledges. “We’ve seen a decline in conduct reports and we’ve seen a decline in driver complaints from parents.”
Henkensiefken says her district hasn’t
had any issues with drivers verbally abusing children but the cameras have still been invaluable tool, particularly with children who have special needs. She recalls an incident where a driver and bus assistant refused to give an electronic device to a boy with autism because they said he was impolite. An autism specialist reviewed the tape and coached the staff on ways to better communication with the student. “Te bus assistant said after pulling that video and getting that additional training they see huge positive behavior changes with that child. Tey were upset at first when we pulled them in but both said later they were so glad we gave them the tools they needed to work with that child,” she notes. Martin concludes, “Technology is a very
positive thing, but you can’t rely on it to solve the problem. It’s important for us to use the technology to its highest effect and to eliminate bullying.” l
See Us At Booth #122 56 School Transportation News February 2014
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