Diversity Series: Opposing opposition and defiance - A guide to ODD for teachers

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder is more common than most parents and educators may think. Here are some ways to help administrators and teachers establish a plan for handling students with these behavioural characteristics. Read more


List of Oppositional Defiance Disorder schools

 
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Toronto, Ontario — Bond Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational independent school with students from Montessori Casa to Grade 12. Our educational process is Beyond the Books! Education as it should be. View School Profile.

  • Character Education
  • Free Before/After School Program
  • Weekly Swimming Lessons
  • Early start French Classes
  • Art & Music & Drama
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Liberal Arts
Tuition:
$7,000 to $16,000
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
350
Avg. Class:
10 to 15
Bond Academy 7000 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
 
 

Langley, British Columbia — Whytecliff is a safe, empathetic & supportive place for teens with a diverse range of learning needs / personal challenges. Our positive community & high-growth environment pulls each child up to be their very best! View School Profile.

  • Safe, empathetic, supportive community for students with a diverse range of learning needs
  • Low student-to-educator ratio of less than 5:1 lets us really get to know you
  • Each child gets a personalized program tailored to their unique gifts, strengths, and talents
  • Dual-accredited as both an independent school and a Positive Youth Development program
  • Kids love it here! On average, student attendance doubles (vs. previous learning environment)
Grades:
8 to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive
Tuition:
$8,900 to $19,500
Living:
Day/Homestay
Enrollment:
47
Avg. Class:
3 to 6
Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres 8900 HighSchools Day Homestay Coed
  • North York, Ontario
    Finch Ave. W./Bathurst St.
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $9,250 to $16,000

CAA has been serving the GTA for over 65 years. Our students learn through a strong academic curriculum, community engagement and alumni mentorship – with a 98% acceptance rate to the University of their first choice.

  • Day
  • Traditional
Crawford Adventist Academy 9250 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Day Coed
  • Belleville, Ontario
  • 1 to 12 Coed
  • $28,944 to $83,937

We are a therapeutic boarding school for Gr. 1-12 students requiring individualized academic, clinical, and behaviour-management solutions in small class sizes and professional home stay or boarding environments

  • Day/Boarding
  • Progressive
Applewood Academy for Progressive Learning 28944 Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
  • Wellandport, Ontario
  • 5 to 12 Boys
  • $61,200 to $65,200

Robert Land Academy, established in 1978, is a private military-inspired boarding school (Gr 5-12) helping boys to experience validation, realize their potential and gain admission to post-secondary programs.

  • Boarding
  • Traditional
Robert Land Academy 61200 MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Boys
  • Brampton, Ontario
  • 9 to 12 Coed
  • $395 to $545 /course

Ontario eSecondary School (OES) offers fast, flexible and fully online courses supported by certified staff with free 24/7 tutoring. 8/10 of our students achieve over 85% in their course(s).

  • eSchool
  • Traditional
Ontario eSecondary School 395 HighSchools eSchool Coed
  • Breslau, Ontario
  • 9 to 12 Coed
  • $10,760 to $27,680

Students receive an excellent education which prepares them well for university, college and a wide variety of workplaces.

  • Day/Homestay
  • Liberal Arts
Woodland Christian High School 10760 HighSchools Day Homestay Coed
  • Scarborough, Ontario
    Kennedy Road/Progress Avenue
  • NS to 6 Coed
  • $16,775 to $17,200

Enquiring Minds Montessori is a one-of-a-kind Montessori Art School. We have created a unique learning experience that fosters academic and artistic excellence in a nurturing environment while challenging young minds.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Enquiring Minds Montessori 16775 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
  • Brantford, Ontario
    North Park/Fairview
  • JK to 8 Coed
  • $7,999

Central Baptist Academy began as a ministry of Central Baptist Church Brantford in 1978. It's purpose is to provide a regular academic course of study for students, with instruction from a definite Christian world view.

  • Day
  • Traditional
Central Baptist Academy 7999 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Bayfield, Ontario
  • 9 to 12 Coed
  • $299 to $939 /course

After 20 years of teaching courses online, VHS is unrivaled in experience, credibility, and expertise. Our student-centred model provides a world-class educational experience for thousands of Ontario students each year.

  • eSchool
  • Traditional
Virtual High School 299 HighSchools eSchool Coed
  • Toronto, Ontario
    Bathurst St./Eglinton Ave. West
  • PS to 6 Coed
  • $15,500 to $17,500

NOW WITH LICENSED DAYCARE! Bring your child for a free trial to let him or her experience the difference. Don't be surprised if he or she doesn't want to go home at the end of the day! SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AVAILABLE!

  • Day
  • Montessori
  • Waldorf
Alive Montessori & Private School 15500 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
  • Ancaster, Ontario
    Rymal Road West/Glancaster Road
  • 9 to 12 Coed
  • $18,125

HDCH, founded in 1956, is imaginative, innovative & interwoven with our essential Biblical identity. Our programs are designed to challenge a wide range of learners. We welcome local and international students!

  • Homestay/Day
  • Progressive
Hamilton District Christian High 18125 HighSchools Homestay Day Coed
  • North York, Ontario
    Avenue Road/Lawrence Avenue
  • 9 to 12 Coed
  • $18,875

Through our dynamic individual education plans, mentorship, and therapeutic counselling we ensure all students feel comfortable, respected and cared for, so they stay actively engaged in their educational journey.

  • Day
  • Progressive
AVRO Academy 18875 HighSchools Day Coed
  • Montreal, Quebec
    Atwater/Docteur-Penfield
  • 7 to 12 Girls
  • $17,875 to $61,190

Since 1861, The Sacred Heart School of Montreal, the city’s only all-girls English Catholic high school, has been preparing girls to change the world. We offer grades 7 to 12, day school and boarding.

  • Day/Boarding
  • Traditional
The Sacred Heart School of Montreal 17875 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Day Boarding Girls
  • Mississauga, Ontario
  • PS to 8 Coed
  • $9,300 to $16,490

Meadow Green Academy provides a strong Christian education in a nurturing environment. Strong academics combined with sports, enriched music, visual arts, and dramatic arts programs provide a well-rounded experience

  • Day
  • Traditional
  • Montessori
Meadow Green Academy 9300 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Ottawa, Ontario
    Baseline Rd./Woodroffe Ave.
  • NS to 8 Coed
  • $6,183 to $17,840

Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, a not-for-profit independent school in Ottawa, provides an authentic Christian Montessori approach for children 3 months to 14 years.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School 6183 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • St Catharines, Ontario
    Ontario St./Welland Ave.
  • NS to 12 Coed/Girls
  • $350 to $5,200

Heuristic & autodidactic, inspired by Sudbury & democratic models. Students are self-directed, and holistically empowered. Voluntary attendance, year-round calendar, agency, & consent inspire free learning. Also Forest

  • eSchool/Day/Homestay/Boarding
  • Progressive
Agate Private School 350 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools eSchool Day Homestay eSchool Boarding Coed Girls
  • Toronto, Ontario
    Yonge St/Sheppard Ave
  • 7 to 12 Coed
  • $399 to $549 /course

Ontario Virtual School is an Ontario Ministry-inspected credit-granting institution offering high school courses for Grades 9-12 in an interactive online format. Students can start anytime with 24/7 access.

  • eSchool
  • Traditional
Ontario Virtual School 399 MiddleSchools HighSchools eSchool Coed
  • Barrie Area, Ontario
  • 7 to 12 Coed
  • $1 /program

Venture Academy is a therapeutic treatment and education program for students who may be struggling with ADHD, learning challenges, underachieving, behavioural issues, and a variety of clinical diagnoses.

  • Homestay
  • Traditional
Venture Academy Troubled Teens Program (ON) 1 MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay Coed
  • Amaranth, Ontario
  • PS to 8 Coed
  • $9,895 to $11,745

The Maples is an established private IB World School in Orangeville, Ontario providing exemplary education for students (Pre-School to Grade 8). Daily French instruction in PS and Kindergarten with an academic focus.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
The Maples Academy 9895 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Toronto, Ontario
    Queen Street East/Glen Manor Drive
  • PS to 8 Coed
  • $7,200 to $22,275

Our objective is to guide children with respect and understanding, developing in them a love of learning. Our aim is to create a nurturing environment full of intellectual, social and moral learning and development.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Avalon Children's Montessori School 7200 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Etobicoke, Ontario
    Bloor/Shaver
  • PS to 5 Coed
  • $6,600 to $12,000

Kingsley's small classes and personal approach help students reach their unique potential. Each child is seen, heard, and respected. French, music, and phys-ed round out a program which includes plenty of time outdoors.

  • Day
  • Traditional
  • Reggio Emilia
Kingsley Primary School 6600 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
  • Mississauga, Ontario
    Hurontario/Queensway
  • 1 to 12 Coed
  • $21,788 to $25,440

Team School offers programs from grades 1 to 12 in Mississauga. Its average class size is 8 to 12 students.

  • Day
  • Traditional
TEAM School 21788 Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Beamsville, Ontario
    Exit 64/QEW
  • 9 to 12 Coed
  • $14,000 to $45,000

Grade 9-12 students are encouraged to be confident servant-leaders. Student diversity provides a global perspective of life and faith. Great Lakes' graduates are accepted by colleges and universities of their choice.

  • Boarding/Day
  • Liberal Arts
Great Lakes Christian High School 14000 HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
  • North York, Ontario
    Bathurst/Wilson
  • JK to 8 Coed
  • $20,000 to $26,000

Magnificent Minds Inc. caters to students whose needs are not being met in traditional school environments, pursuing personal best through a balanced approach to education.

  • Day
  • Traditional
Magnificent Minds 20000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Rosthern, Saskatchewan
  • 10 to 12 Coed
  • $4,500 to $32,750

RJC is a Grades 10-12 boarding school accredited by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. RJC is student and community-focused all while offering excellent academics and exceptional athletic and fine arts programs.

  • Day/Boarding/Homestay
  • Progressive
Rosthern Junior College High School 4500 Day Boarding Homestay Coed
  • Milton, Ontario
  • JK to 8 Coed
  • $12,000 to $13,895

At Oxford Learning Academy, our teachers will use the proven scientific approach of Cognitive Development to teach our students new ways of thinking and understanding what they are learning and how they are learning.

  • Day
  • Traditional
Oxford Learning Academy (Private School) 12000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Toronto, Ontario
    University Ave./Dundas street
  • PS to 12 Coed
  • $15,800 to $26,000

Cornerstone students love to shape the future. They INSPIRE learning, DISCOVER their potential, EMPOWER themselves to be innovative citizens. Our boundless learning strategies open doors for successful learning.

  • Day
  • Liberal Arts
  • Montessori
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School 15800 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Mississauga, Ontario
    Erin Mills Parkway/Turner Valley Road
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $21,099 to $71,799

A special needs education private school in Mississauga offering programs using the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based (DIR®) Model. Theme-based DIR® March/Summer Camps are also available.

  • Day
  • Progressive
Oakwood Academy 21099 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Woodbridge, Ontario
    Kipling/Highway 7
  • 9 to 12 Coed
  • $18,600 to $24,000

Each student is unique. Why be just a number when you can be valued for who you are? We enfold, engage and empower every student in a safe, friendly, and supportive learning community. It's where you belong!

  • Day/Homestay
  • Liberal Arts
Toronto District Christian High School 18600 HighSchools Day Homestay Coed
  • London, Ontario
  • 9 to 12 Coed
  • $9,000 to $16,449

LCH is the only full-service independent high school in London. Through a Christian worldview, we offer the OSSD, OFSAA sports, extracurriculars, travel opportunities, and authentic learning experiences.

  • Homestay/Day
  • Progressive
London Christian High 9000 HighSchools Homestay Day Coed
  • Brockville, Ontario
  • 6 to 12 Coed
  • $16,600 to $57,885

Our intercultural environment offers an individualized approach to learning with STEM+A and project based learning as our key emphases. Our students enjoy a dynamic academic & residential life program.

  • Day/Boarding/eSchool
  • Progressive
Fulford Academy 16600 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding eSchool Coed
  • Red Deer Area, Alberta
  • 7 to 12 Coed
  • $1 /program

Venture Academy is a therapeutic treatment and education program for students who may be struggling with mood disorders & anxiety disorders, behavioural challenges, substance misuses, ADHD, ADD and ODD

  • Homestay
  • Traditional
Venture Academy Troubled Teens Program (AB) 1 MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay Coed

Teaching students with unique learning and behavioural characteristics has defined some of the most memorable moments in my education career thus far. Certain colourful events stand out as the most trying as well as the most rewarding. I learn something new about myself as an educator from each student I teach. If teachers can learn to view these "colourful" moments as learning opportunities for both ourselves and the students, it becomes easier to see their growth as individuals through the challenges.

Read our advice guide on choosing a school for a child with a behavioural or emotional issue, such as anxiety, and for kids with other traits. To get school-choice advice customized to your child's unique traits, create a child profile through your user account.

What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is one of the more common behavioural disorders among children and adolescents, affecting between 1% and 16% of youth, depending on where the statistic comes from. ODD is defined as a pattern of defiant, hostile and disobedient behaviour directed towards adult authority figures. Common behaviours include: angry outbursts, temper tantrums, rebellious actions, arguing with adults and passive or active refusal to obey rules or instructions. Children and adolescents with ODD can also demonstrate hostility, negativity and spitefulness. Needless to say, these behaviours can be quite disruptive and challenging for teachers to manage in a mainstream classroom!

The most important thing for teachers and administrators to understand is that the hostility and defiance is not usually a personal attack against the authority figure. Students with ODD are not usually discriminatory, but will react in a similarly defiant manner to all authority-wielding figures. Yet, with preventative planning and a great deal of patience, ODD behaviours do not always have to result in disruption of lessons and routines.

Supporting Students with Oppositional Defiant Disorder

The most important first step when dealing with a student who has ODD is to establish a strong team of support for the student, including all teachers, support workers, parents and administrators. Establish a set of guidelines for dealing with defiant and oppositional behaviours that everyone can agree to uphold. During this process, set up a plan of action. Try to account for the usual reactions to instructions or rules and decide as a team how you will react. Also decide what kind of behaviours can be ignored–remember to choose your battles!

Students with ODD need to feel like they have some control over what happens in their life, so try to offer choices, ensuring that both options are ones that you can live with. This has been one of my greatest challenges as a teacher–I always want to offer one choice that I want to happen and make the second choice something unreasonable. But, as former students can attest to, they will always choose the one that they think you don't want them to. So, be prepared to actually stay at school until 9pm with them, if that is a choice that slips out of your mouth. Follow through, or they won't take you seriously next time you offer a choice!

Most importantly, don't react emotionally in the heat of the moment. Defiant behaviour can really get under your skin. Take a deep breath, a physical step backwards and think it through. Go back to the established plan, and remind the student of their choices and the outcomes for all choices. If you, as a teacher and professional, can keep your cool, you will be a step closer to opposing the opposition.

It is important to remember that ODD behaviours are the result of a mental health disorder, which can be difficult to distinguish from "normal" defiant and independence seeking behaviours in young adults. With treatment and behaviour therapy, students with ODD can learn to control their behaviour and find other ways of dealing with their anger and coping with stressful situations. This reaffirms how important the teacher's role is in being supportive of building a behaviour management plan that will assist the child in learning more constructive ways of managing their own behaviour.

—Kelly Farrell
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