Steve

Posted on 10/18/09

On 10/17/09, Grace wrote:
> Hi,
> I just found this site and I am looking for suggestions.
> I have taught Spanish for HS credit in a Middle school for
> 16 years. This year the new principal decided to surplus my
> position. I started working in the new school (High school)
> SEVEN weeks into the new school year. Needless to say it
> was all about discipline the first week and most of them
> (9th and 10th graders) have settled and know my
> expectations. There are still a few "personalities" that
> need to get a more clear message. I welcome any thoughts
> from you regarding rules and consequences for HS age
> students.

Have you considered taking them aside as a small group and
informing them of what you see as contrary behavior? To do
this correctly you need to be completely calm with a smile on
your face and back it with verbiage according to your
expectations. Stick to the facts and resist argument. Do this
in a nice way and disconnect yourself from emotion. Simply say
your side and then do what follows below.

Immediately contact their parents and tell them about the talk
you had with their kid. It's best to try and get the bug in
the ear of the parent before the student gets a chance to spin
the story so you might even call first and then speak to the
student. Ask for the parents assistance and then inform the
students again the next day that you expect a change. Continue
to email the parents with updates good or bad. Email is great
for this, just stick to the facts and be positive.

This works for me and lets the student and parent know that I
will not settle for less than my expectations. If this doesn't
work, move it to the principal and parents in a conference or
have the principal contact the parent on your behalf. This
will avoid the necessity for punishment.

Be relentless and you will have a quiet classroom within a week.

Steve

Classroom Managment that Works

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