QUESTION:
My team of teachers and I have started to use DISCIPLINE without STRESS with good success but need some clarification. Our students rotate through us every day. We ‘re wondering if a student gets the essay form in one class, do they start fresh in the next teacher’s classroom or do they receive the Self-Diagnostic Referral if they are at Level A or B?

DR. MARSHALL’S RESPONSE:
Every student-teacher relationship is different. No teacher should be bound by the relationship of another.

The less reliance on the form, the more successful you will be in discipline situations. Use it only as a last resort.

The essay was designed to give the student a responsibility-producing activity while allowing the teacher to continue teaching.

When the teacher has a moment to spend with the student, the discussion should revolve around developing a procedure to help the student redirect impulses.

The self-diagnostic referral is used when the essay is no longer effective and the teacher wants to inform the parent. If a student has behaved responsibly after completing the self-diagnostic referral, then the essay can be used again.

In all cases, the student is asked to identify the level of chosen behavior. This, in essence, serves as a warning before any written form is given.

When a form is used, remember to give the student several choices, e.g., completing the form in the student’s seat, in the back of the room or with the help of another student.

The mindset of the teacher should be to work with the student to help him/her control impulses.

Remember that the forms are simply options for a teacher to use if they so choose. The teacher can also elicit a consequence from the student if irresponsible behavior continues.

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Posted In: Checking for Understanding, Guided Choices, I. For High Schools, J. For Middle Schools
posted On: April 8, 2007: 8:02 pm: By Kerry Weisner
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