Preventing Discipline Problems in the Classroom Presented by Randy Sprick, Ph.D. Texas Behavior Support State Conference Houston, TX June 25, 2013
Introduction NOTES Basic Beliefs 1. The way a setting is structured has a huge impact on and attitude. 2. Many schools depend too much on punitive consequences. 3. Punitive consequences have inherent and inescapable drawbacks, including but not limited to: Escape/avoidance Fear May become neutral May become reinforcing Can set a negative climate I ve come to a frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It s my personal approach that creates the climate. It s my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or dehumanized. -Haim Ginott 4. The goal of classroom management is to develop a classroom of students who are responsible, motivated, and highly engaged in meaningful tasks. Workshop Objective To assist you in setting up a management plan that: Structures for success. Orchestrates active. Prevents misbehavior. Teaches. Induces enthusiasm. Celebrates progress. Safe & Civil Schools 1
1. Design rules that communicate your most important expectations. (CHAMPS C3T2, DSC C5T1) NOTES Plan to post this information in a prominent place. If you wish to work these out with the students, predetermine whether there are any rules that you need to establish in order to effectively teach. Rules should be specific, observable, and (for the most part) stated positively. Avoid having more than five rules. SAMPLE RULES: 1. Follow directions immediately. 2. Work during all work times. 3. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. 4. Arrive on time with all materials (pencil, notebook, textbook, paper). Safe & Civil Schools 2
2. Develop and post Guidelines for Success. (CHAMPS C1T4, DSC C1T5) NOTES Design the Guidelines to be hierarchical, with the first describing the most important trait you want all students to learn to exhibit. SAMPLE GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS: Be responsible. Always try. Do your best. Cooperate. Treat everyone with respect, including yourself. Use the Guidelines as the basis for positive feedback, corrections, classwide discussions, monthly themes, assignments, celebrations of progress, guest speakers, and so on. 3. Develop an Attention Signal. (CHAMPS C2T3, DSC C3T3) The most effective signals can be used in any location. Decide on a reasonable length of time between giving the signal and gaining all students attention. 4. Prepare lessons on your behavioral expectations for each major activity. (CHAMPS C4T1&3, DSC C4) Identify critical content for activities such as teacher-directed instruction, independent seatwork, and cooperative groups. Be sure to clarify: Conversation Help Activity Movement Participation = Success High school teachers: Develop a behavior syllabus. See Exhibit 7.1 on pp. 10 11 of this handout. (DSC C7T1) Safe & Civil Schools 3
C H A M P S» n o. 4. 2 champs classroom activity WorKsHeet Activity Conversation Can students engage in conversations with each other during this activity? If yes, about what? With whom? How many students can be involved in a single conversation? How long can the conversation last? Voice Level: Help How do students get questions answered? How do students get your attention? If students have to wait for help, what should they do while they wait? Activity What is the expected end product of this activity? (Note: This may vary from day to day.) Movement Can students get out of their seats during the activity? If yes, acceptable reasons include: pencil sharpener restroom drink hand in/pick up materials other: Do they need permission from you? Participation What behaviors show that students are participating fully and responsibly? What behaviors show that a student is not participating? Success! Safe & Civil Schools 2009 Pacific Northwest Publishing Reproducible Form 4
C H A M P S» n o. 4. 2 champs classroom activity WorKsHeet Activity Conversation Can students engage in conversations with each other during this activity? If yes, about what? With whom? How many students can be involved in a single conversation? How long can the conversation last? Voice Level: Help How do students get questions answered? How do students get your attention? If students have to wait for help, what should they do while they wait? Activity What is the expected end product of this activity? (Note: This may vary from day to day.) Movement Can students get out of their seats during the activity? If yes, acceptable reasons include: pencil sharpener restroom drink hand in/pick up materials other: Do they need permission from you? Participation What behaviors show that students are participating fully and responsibly? What behaviors show that a student is not participating? Success! Safe & Civil Schools 2009 Pacific Northwest Publishing Reproducible Form 5
5. Prepare lessons on your behavioral expectations for each major transition. Include time criteria. (CHAMPS C4T2 & 3, DSC C4) Transitions include: NOTES Arriving at the classroom Beginning class/routines Getting out necessary materials Changes in location Putting things away Cleaning up Leaving the classroom Schoolwide settings (halls, cafeteria, playground, bus waiting areas, assemblies, and so on) 6. Analyze the physical setting. (CHAMPS C2T2, DSC C3T3) Ensure easy access from any part of the room to any other part of the room. CIRCULATE! 7. Establish routines and policies that create a calm, orderly, efficient classroom climate. Beginning routines (CHAMPS C2T4, DSC C3T4) Procedures for assigning work (CHAMPS C2T5, DSC C3T5) Procedures for collecting work (CHAMPS C2T5, SC C1T5) Homework routines (CHAMPS C2T5, DSC C1T5) Ending routines (CHAMPS C2T4, DSC C3T4) Safe & Civil Schools 6
8. Provide frequent noncontingent attention to help create a friendly and welcoming classroom climate. (CHAMPS C7T1, DSC C6T3) NOTES Greeting students at the beginning of class Showing an interest in student work 9. Develop consequences for common rule infractions. (CHAMPS C3T4, DSC C5 & C9) Establish consequences that fit the nature of the problem, but are as mild as possible. Prediscuss consequences with students. Implement the consequence calmly and consistently POSSIBLE CLASSROOM CONSEQUENCES INCLUDE: Gentle verbal reprimand Keep a record of the behavior (see Behavior Record Form, p. 11) Behavior improvement form Parental contacts Restitution Time owed Timeout Four possible levels include: Removal from small group instruction Isolation area in class Sent to another class Sent to the office Reduction of points earned (behavior incorporated into grading) Lunch/after-school detention Student is required to devise a plan for own behavior Restriction from privileges 10. Develop a plan for providing frequent positive feedback for following rules, striving toward the Guidelines for Success, and meeting expectations. (CHAMPS C7T2&T4, DSC C6T4 & T5) Feedback should be: Specific and descriptive Contingent Following a behavior or skill that is new Following a behavior or skill that is difficult Following anything the individual is proud of Age appropriate Given in a manner that fits your style Safe & Civil Schools 7
Things To Do! 1 Identify a misbehavior or trait exhibited by several (many?) students. 2. On the chart below, fill out each section after it has been discussed in the workshop. Things to do: Already completed Priority: A Within two weeks B If there is time C Low priority For items labeled A & B, make notes on implementation. Finished 1. Design rules that communicate your most important expectations. Be sure to address Item 1 above. 2. Develop and post Guidelines for Success. Address Item 1 above. 3. Develop an Attention Signal. 4. Prepare lessons on your behavioral expectations for each major activity. Address Item 1 above. 5. Prepare lessons on your behavioral expectations for each major transition. Include time criteria. 6. Analyze the physical setting. Modify the setting if necessary and possible. 7. Design routines or policies that create a calm orderly climate. Beginning routines Procedures for assigning work Procedures for correcting work Homework routines Ending routines 8. Provide frequent noncontingent attention to help create a friendly and welcoming classroom climate. 9. Develop consequences for common rule infractions. Address Item 1 above. 10. Develop a plan for providing frequent positive feedback for following rules, striving toward the Guidelines for Success, and for meeting expectations. Monitor interactions with students. Safe & Civil Schools 8
Exhibit 7.1 Syllabus Template Teacher: Classroom Goals: Write your classroom goals in the form of what students will be able to successfully do at the end of the year or semester. You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 1, Task 5. Guidelines for Success: Write your list of attitudes and traits that you feel will ensure your students success. You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 1, Task 5. Classroom Rules: Outline the important student behaviors that will ensure your class runs efficiently. You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 5, Task 1. Activities: Outline the activities that students will be engaging in during a typical week. You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 4, Task 1. Grades: Grading scale: Outline the percentage cutoffs for A s, B s, and so on. Relative value: Outline the relative weight of homework, quizzes, tests, papers, behavior/effort on the final grade. You can find out more information on this topic in Chapter 2, Tasks 2-4. Classroom Procedures Entering the classroom: Outline exactly what students should do from the time they enter the room until the bell rings for class to begin. You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 3, Task 4. Tardy to class: Identify your definition of on time and tardy, and identify the consequences for being tardy. You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 3, Task 4. Paper/Pencil: Identify what students should have to write with. In addition, specify what a student should do if they do not have this and what, if anything, you implement as a consequence. You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 3, Task 4. How to find out what the daily assignments are: Identify how you will assign work and how students will know what they are to do each day. Also define how they should keep track of what they need to do for homework and long-range assignments. You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 3, Task 5. Safe & Civil Schools 9
Turning in assignments: Identify where and how students turn in class work and homework. Specify if students are to check off completed work they have turned in. You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 3, Task 5. Returning assignments to students: Detail your policies on how you will return completed work to your students. You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 3, Task 5. Finding out grade status: Review your grading system and explain whether you will give students a weekly grade report or if you expect them to track their grades themselves. Also identify when and how a student can approach you to discuss their current status in the class. You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 2, Task 4. Student responsibilities after an absence: Outline what students will need to do when returning after an absence. How to find out what they missed How long they have to make up their assignments What to do if they miss a test You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 3, Task 5. Late, missing, or incomplete assignments: Outline the maximum number of late assignments you will accept, along with penalties and time limits for late work. You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 3, Task 5. Communication procedures with parents/families: Identify if you will have any regular communication with families that you initiate. Provide information on when, where, and how family members can get in touch with you. Ending class: Specify how you will end class, any responsibilities your students may have, and how you will dismiss the students. You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 3, Task 4. Consequences for Classroom Rule Violations: List the range of corrective consequences that you may assign if rules are violated. You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 5, Task 3. Consequences for Code of Conduct Violations: Inform students that you must follow through with disciplinary referrals for violations of school-wide rules including dress code, unexcused absences, threats and so forth. Make sure to get this information from your principal or assistant principal. From Discipline in the Secondary Classroom: A Positive Approach to Behavior Management (2nd ed.), Sprick, R.S., 2006. Safe & Civil Schools 10
C H A M P S» n o. 6. 6 WeeKlY MisBeHavior recording sheet Date Reminders Name Fri. Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Total Codes: Safe & Civil Schools 11 2009 Pacific Northwest Publishing Reproducible Form
References and Resources Materials in the Safe & Civil Schools Library are now listed on SAMHSA s National Registry of Evidencebased Programs and Practices. To view details on the Safe & Civil Schools Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Model, visit: www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/viewintervention.aspx?id=242 Books Sprick, R. S. (2012). Teacher s encyclopedia of behavior management: 100+ problems/500+ plans (2nd ed.). Eugene, OR: Pacific Northwest Publishing. Wise, B. J., Marcum, K., Haykin, M., Sprick, R. S., & Sprick, M. (2011). Meaningful work: Changing student behavior with school jobs. Eugene, OR: Pacific Northwest Publishing. Sprick, R. S., Knight, J., Reinke, W., Skyles, T., & Barnes, L. (2010). Coaching classroom management: Strategies and tools for administrators and coaches (2nd ed.). Eugene, OR: Pacific Northwest Publishing. Sprick, R. S. (2009). CHAMPS: A proactive and positive approach to classroom management (2nd ed.). Eugene, OR: Pacific Northwest Publishing. Sprick, R. S. (2009). Stepping in: A substitute s guide to managing classroom behavior. Eugene, OR: Pacific Northwest Publishing. Sprick, R. S. (2009). Structuring success for substitutes. Eugene, OR: Pacific Northwest Publishing. Sprick, R. S., Booher, M., & Garrison, M. (2009). Behavioral response to intervention (B-RTI): Creating a continuum of problem-solving and support. Eugene, OR: Pacific Northwest Publishing. Sprick, R. S., & Garrison, M. (2008). Interventions: Evidence-based behavior strategies for individual students (2nd ed.). Eugene, OR: Pacific Northwest Publishing. Sprick, R. S. (2006). Discipline in the secondary classroom: A positive approach to behavior management (2nd ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Sprick, R. S., & Garrison, M. (2000). ParaPro: Supporting the instructional process. Eugene, OR: Pacific Northwest Publishing. Multimedia Sprick, R. S. (2010). CHAMPS DVD inservice series (2nd ed., DVD program). Eugene, OR: Pacific Northwest Publishing. Sprick, R. S. (2008). Discipline in the secondary classroom DVD inservice series (DVD program). Eugene, OR: Pacific Northwest Publishing. Safe & Civil Schools 12
Sprick, R. S. (2008). Interventions audio: Evidence-based behavior strategies for individual students (2nd ed., audio CD program). Eugene, OR: Pacific Northwest Publishing. Sprick, R. S. (2008). When every second counts: Mini-inservices for handling common classroom behavior problems (CD and DVD program). Eugene, OR: Pacific Northwest Publishing. Sprick, R. S., Swartz, L., & Schroeder, S. (2006). In the driver s seat: A roadmap to managing student behavior on the bus (CD and DVD program). Eugene, OR: Pacific Northwest Publishing and Oregon Center for Applied Sciences. Sprick, R. S., Swartz, L., & Glang, A. (2005). On the playground: A guide to playground management (CD program). Eugene, OR: Pacific Northwest Publishing and Oregon Center for Applied Sciences. Sprick, R. S. (2003). START on time! Safe transitions and reduced tardiness in secondary schools (CD program). Eugene, OR: Pacific Northwest Publishing. Sprick, R. S., Garrison, M., & Howard, L. (2002). Foundations: Establishing positive discipline and school-wide behavior support (CD program). Eugene, OR: Pacific Northwest Publishing. Articles Sprick, R. (2010). Shaping student behavior. SEEN Magazine, 12(2), 90 91. Sprick, R., & Daniels, K. (2010). Managing student behavior. Principal Leadership, September, 18 21. Sprick, R. (2009). Doing discipline differently. Principal Leadership, 9(5), 19 22. Sprick, R. (2009). Positive behavior support: A powerful vehicle for preparing 21st century citizens. SEEN Magazine, 11(3), 94. Sprick, R. (2009). Schoolwide discipline: Can you make it work? SEEN Magazine, 11(2), 102. Sprick, R., & Daniels, K. (2007). Taming the tardies Every minute counts. Middle Ground, 11(2), 21 23. Sprick, R. S. & Booher, M. (2006). Behavior support and response to intervention: a systematic approach to meeting the social/emotional needs of students. Communique, 35(4), 34 36. Sprick, R.S. (2004). Civil schools are safe schools: But are they attainable? Instructional Leader, 17(6), 3 5. The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) has endorsed three Safe & Civil Schools resources: Foundations CHAMPS Interventions For more information, visit: www.casecec.org Safe & Civil Schools 13
Report on Graduation Rates in the U.S. A revised report, commissioned by the Black Alliance for Educational Options, found that the overall graduation rate nationally in 2003 was 71%. Graduation rates by race/ethnicity in 2003 were: African-American 56% Native American 57% Asian 79% White 78% Hispanic 54% Education Week reported that in 2010 the graduation rate was again 71%. To access the historical information regarding graduation rates, log onto: http://www.safeandcivilschools.com/research/graduation_rates.php Report on School Connectedness "Increasing evidence shows that when adolescents feel cared for by people at their school and feel like a part of the their school, they are less likely to use substances, engage in violence, or initiate sexual activity at an early age." This article demonstrates an association between connectedness and effective classroom management, effective disciplinary policies, small school size and involvement in extracurricular activities McNeely, C.A., Nonnemaker, J.A., Blum, R.W.; (2002). Promoting School connectedness: Evidence from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, Journal of School Health, 72(4), 138-146. Research has shown that students who feel connected to school do better academically and also are less likely to be involved in risky health behaviors: drug use, cigarette smoking, early sex, violence and suicidal thoughts and attempts. This report summarizes what is known about school connectedness. Blum, Robert, School Connectedness: Improving the Lives of Students. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, 2005. http://www.jhsph.edu/bin/i/e/mci_monograph_final.pdf Randy Sprick's Safe and Civil Schools Visit http://www.safeandcivilschools.com/ for information on Safe and Civil Schools products and services to help improve behavior, discipline and school climate, improve school connectedness and reduce suspensions/expulsions. _ Your Name: Your state code (e.g. OR) Your email (optional): Please print neatly! If you provide your email, Safe and Civil Schools will NEVER sell or give out your address. We will occasionally send you up-dates on workshops, tips, or new products. Safe & Civil Schools 14