Page 36 - School Bus Operators and Attendants Handbook

Student Management

Bus Drivers and Attendants must maintain order and appropriate student behavior while on the
school bus at all times, and in accordance with Approved Procedures for Student Management.
The following information is intended to assist in keeping the bus orderly and safe.

Proactive Student Management

Gaining Respect from Students

 Start by being on time and courteous. Greeting students nicely helps as well.
 Learning the students’ names is one of the most basic steps a Bus Driver can take to gain trust
and respect. Being able to address a disruptive student by name will have a much more positive
impact with them.

Seating Assignments: ALL students must be assigned seats and the driver must record the
assignments on the proper form. The driver must give a copy of the completed seating chart to
the school. Seating charts should be updated when necessary. Schools can assist in creating a chart
if needed.

If the Bus Driver and/or Attendant needs to manage student behavior by reassigning seats while
in route, the driver should pull off the road safely and stop the bus. The driver should shift the bus
into neutral, apply the parking break and four-way emergency flashers, shut off the engine, and
take the ignition key with him/her. Such procedures should never be administered while the bus
is in motion.

Rules, Regulations, and Student Conduct

Inform all bus riders of the bus rules, regulations, and conduct that is expected of them.
Additionally, Bus Drivers must inform students of safety procedures that must be followed when
loading, unloading, and during transit.

Do not broadcast content that presents religious or political view that could be deemed
inappropriate due to adult theme or profanity.

Control of the School Bus: The Bus Driver is in charge of the bus. Never appoint students as bus
patrols; students are not to act in that capacity. Do not permit students to:

 Stand while the bus is in motion
 Operate the service door handle
 Sit in the driver’s seat
 Exit through any emergency exits unless directed to do so

Hitting or Striking Students: The Bus Driver or Attendant do not have the authority to strike or hit a student
or to retaliate if struck or hit, but does have the right to reasonably prevent harm to him/herself.

Page 36 of 149
Student Management