In mom's defense, she is a single parent and she is trying.

I think the boy needs to be held much more accountable for his actions. By ten most kids understand what is right and what is wrong. He does understand because he has come to me on more than one occassion to tell me about other students who have done many of the same things he does (bullying, inappropriate language, body contact...)

I just don't know what "holding him more accountable" should look like. In all honesty I'd like him ostracized in the class by the class - not permanently. But when he does some of this garbage I'd really like his peers to let him know how despicable his behavior is.

He's been suspended numerous times. He's lost tons of recess time over the years. Those things aren't lasting and don't matter. The class refusing to socialize with him might matter. Trouble is - I have about 6 others who think bad behavior is cool. How do you ostracize 1/4 of your class? I'd love to make him sit in the corner. He can still hear instruction and I can see him... but that would be bad for his self esteem. Too bad.

Veronica