The L.A. TIMES reports on a program designed to help students control their anger and in the process become better students (Pyle, 7/20). Called “Chill Out,” the program is in operation at Nimitz Middle School.

Clinical psychologist Floyd McGregor developed the anger-management program five years ago when he did an internship at the school. “Kids were fighting, they were missing classes … getting kicked out of school,” he said. “I started thinking. ‘If we can reduce anger, we can reduce fighting.'”

Students who had embarked on a “painful series of mistakes and missteps” are assigned to the three-month program. They spend a full class period once a week meeting with McGregor, who explains and discusses with them the roots of anger. The students then are taught several strategies for controlling their temper, including counting backwards from 10.

From the paper: “Although L.A. Unified offers hundreds of similar therapy programs for students touching on the broader issue of resolving conflicts, district administrators say “Chill Out” is the only one focused specifically on anger.”

“There were some students we were missing with all the other program we have,” said Assistant Principal Alvin Glass. “This was broken down into a series of things you could do every time it happened; that seemed to be a hook for a lot of students. They were able to buy into it and be helped.” However, Glass cautioned that educators should not expect angels to emerge from the program. Instead, she noted that “we’re seeing them less and less in the office now.”

“Chill Out” requires a final, oral exam. Students receive a “Chill Out” diploma and attend a reception with their families.”

– Floyd Mc Gregor