Ideas for working w/students that have "anger issues"?

This is my 7th yr. teaching in a NYC school. Every year I seem to wind up w/1 or 2 students that have "anger issues" and I am really at a loss on how to handle them. I've tried every tactic I know but it seems that anything I do sets them off.

Are there any PD courses to take or any sites that would give me some insight on how to handle? Behavior plans seem to just "upset the apple cart" and I can't seem to get pass the quick academic frustration to get to the reward part.

Any info would be appreciated.

TIA.

Re: Ideas for working w/students that have "anger issues"?

I had a child who fit that description one year. We had many meetings with the parents & the school psychologist to try to help him.

One thing that helped somewhat - was giving choices rather than making demands. (Are you going to choose to do this work now or during snack? - That sort of thing.)

Also making sure he knew the schedule - with a few minute heads-up when a transition was approaching, when needed.

It's not easy - that was a really tough year.

Hope this helps a bit.