More on Rules vs Standards...

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Home : 2002 : July : 16

More on Rules vs Standards...
By Linda

I have not used this approach for very long, and I'm still learning from it :-) A side benefit for me is that I no longer feel anxiety or frustration about student misbehavior. It's no longer an issue of a power struggle.
And yes, I've had to go beyond the "At what level..." No problem, though, because in a democratic classroom, there is no room for anarchy, so the errant student is OUT (s/he is sent to another room) if s/he does not mend his/her ways immediately, so that learning can continue for the majority.
I'm amazed how my students have bought into this...they have tougher attitudes than my 6th

graders last year. I've seen how my out-of-control kids really do want to have self-control, and this approach has helped them to take responsibility for themselves. They DO NOT like to go to another room. Sometimes, for my really troubled kids who are new to the self-control concept, I allow them a "time-out" outside the door to take a breather and think about the level at which they want to conduct themselves.

It doesn't take long and they're back in their seats and back on task.

I have not seen the book, but I have a LOT of notes and material from the conference. I also printed out some good articles from websites (some were printed in teacher magazines). If I didn't have all of this, I would probably go to B&N and take some time to sit in a cozy seat with the book :-) Shouldn't take long to decide if the book is worth buying!

(an aside--I'll be out of town until 5/12)