The task is to design a system that provides for greater help as the need for help increases. If you compare the two examples, the first example actually provides less help as the misbehavior becomes more frequent or more serious. The student goes from sitting in detention hall, to sitting at home with other punishments in between. No teaching has occurred and no meaningful learning. Again, these are the students who do not learn new skills from receiving punishments and need our help.
Whatever class system you design, you must ensure that greater help is given for those in greater need. The only one that is absolutely necessary is the first one where students are allowed to solve a problem themselves. After all, this is the goal! Many students will never need the assistance from the counselor or principal, while others might see them often. One middle school principal who used the problem solving steps in her office reported that she saw one student twenty-six times in the first semester and only two times in the spring semester. This same student was not sent to the office at all the entire next year.
Another difference in the two examples is that of who is responsible for being sent to the counselor, principal, or having parents come to the school. In the first example, it is the teacher or principal and in the second, it is the student. The student could have solved the problem at any step, but since he or she did not, the next steps were needed. Principals and teachers are not blamed; the student sees how or why he or she was responsible for any additional actions taken to help.
In many elementary schools, it is required to call parents for certain problems.
This makes sense and parents of very young children certainly want to know what is going on with their children. In secondary schools, we find that most students would rather solve their problem before bringing parents to the school. We also find that most parents of secondary students would rather their children solve their own problems than have to come to the school. The administration, faculty, and parents should decide on when parent contact is needed.
Finally, be ready for students to solve problems themselves. Although this sounds like heaven, it requires a change of mindset. For example, two students shove each other while coming into class and a desk is turned over. They look up and see the teacher and tell her that they can solve this problem themselves. They pick up the desk and go quietly to their seats. Now if this never occurs again, we should believe that they did, in fact, solve the problem. If it does occur again, then we will know they were unable and probably not allow them to solve this type of problem themselves the next time.
Can we let two students shove and knock over a desk and not require some type of action? Can we really let students solve problems after making mistakes? Are we not in the habit of treating misbehavior with some type of consequence or punishment? This habit or mindset might be difficult to break for some principals and teachers. Over time, however, allowing students to solve problems themselves is of great benefit.
Most schools list certain behaviors that must be reported to the office. These typically include serious assault, weapons, drugs, arson, threats to faculty or staff, and incorrigibility (repeated misbehavior with little or no improvement despite assistance). Districts must also include some or all forms of sexual harassment. The administration, faculty, parents, and students should discuss, understand, and agree on which misbehaviors must be reported. In many schools, these actions are listed under crimes. In many ways, this is a good strategy to teach students about the seriousness of criminal behavior as opposed to breaking school rules.
An equitable system allows the principal and teachers to give less time for those who need little assistance and more time for those requiring more assistance. This is a better way to define fair. It also maximizes the effective use of time. As students begin to solve more of their problems and solve them faster, principals and teachers will have more time to help those with the greatest need.
- 981 reads
