Student Management and Emergencies
Core concepts
Managing students is a safety skill, not a discipline contest. Know the expectations you set at the start of the year: remain seated, keep aisles clear, use quiet voices, keep hands and objects to yourself, and follow the driver's directions the first time. Know how to de-escalate conflict: separate students, use a calm and firm voice, avoid arguing, and never leave the bus unattended to deal with a student. Know when to report behavior to school administration and how to document it.
Know the emergency procedures. For a fire, stop, evacuate students to a safe distance upwind, and account for everyone. For a crash, secure the scene, check for injuries, call for help, and evacuate only if there is danger. Know how to use the emergency exits and how to conduct an evacuation drill. Know the emergency contact procedure and how to use the radio. Understand that in an emergency the driver is in charge until relieved by a responder.
Traps
Questions test whether you know the driver must not leave the bus with students aboard unless there is an emergency requiring evacuation. Another trap is the belief that a disruptive student may be put off the bus anywhere; students are discharged only at their assigned stop or school, per policy. Watch for items on evacuation - the goal is to move students a safe distance away and upwind, then account for them.
Worked example
A small fire starts in the engine compartment. Stop, shut off the engine, evacuate students through the rear door to a point upwind and well away from the bus, then call for help and account for every student.
Rule of thumb
"Calm voice, clear direction, count heads, call for help."