The complicated issues surrounding students disrupting Oregon schools, and the frustrations many teachers face because of such outbursts, are the subject of a new KGW-TV special, “Classrooms in Crisis," which airs at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 8.

The special grows out of stories covered by investigative reporter Cristin Severance, who, over the last three months, has explored the growing number of students who engage in verbal or physical outbursts while in the classroom. Severance interviewed teachers who express frustration with how the law limits their ability to intervene, and how they’re instructed not to touch a child who’s in crisis, unless the student presents an immediate safety threat.

Severance also spoke to teachers who got out of the profession entirely, because of the difficulties, and sometimes dangers, posed by children who are acting out for reasons that may have to do with their home life, mental health, or other issues that go far beyond the walls of the school.

KGW-TV investigative reporter Cristin Severance moderates a conversation among educators, legislators and administrators in the one-hour special, "Classrooms in Crisis." (Photo: Screen grab, courtesy of KGW-TV)

According to a KGW press release, Severance’s stories drew a strong response from hundreds of teachers and parents. The one-hour special, “Classrooms in Crisis,” was taped April 29 at the Union/Pine event space in Southeast Portland. Severance served as moderator for a conversation featuring teachers, legislators and more.

Among those participating in the discussion are teachers from Portland, Beaverton and the Reynolds public school districts, a principal from Willamina, Oregon state legislators Rep. Susan McLain, Rep. Janeen Sollman, and Rep. Christine Drazan. Other participants include administrators representing Portland Public Schools, and parents.

“Classrooms in Crisis” will air from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 8 on KGW. It can also be viewed as a livestream on KGW.com and Facebook. According to KGW, Severance will be on Facebook Live after the show to talk more about the issues. That content can be viewed after the broadcast on KGW.com and KGW’s YouTube channel.

-- Kristi Turnquist

kturnquist@oregonian.com 503-221-8227 @Kristiturnquist

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