Recovery: It is important for for me to provide help to students who need beneficial correction, to assure that the students keep progressing and do not become a distraction to the learning process in the class. It is more than just discipline, but also educational aid, because certain academic expectations are required to be gained. I will keep the following tools and strategies close, to assure that such support is granted (when needed) and monitored.
Syllabus: The first day of class all of my students are provided with a copy of the class syllabus, or as I like to call it, the constitution to the “Students Democratic Republic of History.” This syllabus, but i call it a social contract, contains all of their rights and expectations for the class, which include many Recovery points for discipline, academic expectations and academic support. Students must sign the last page of such contract and get parental signatures as well. The reason for it is that I want both students and parents to go over the expectations for the class and this way there is accountability.
Verbal Reminders: As stipulated in the social syllabus, there are certain guidelines for behavior and academic expectations. There are higher agencies (front office) that take care of improper issues, but my desire is to motivate a students to change minor negative perspectives. For that reason I provide all of my students 2 verbal reminders, the first is as easy as getting their attention, and the second is more one on one with a student, after his pers are not present (to assure that he/she is not singled out or embarrassed). A third violations ensures that the higher authorities manage with unchanged inappropriate behavior and academic expectations. Digital Access: As indicated in the syllabus, my class website contains all of the lecture, and assignments as the semester progresses. It also already contains several primary sources that will be used for homework, class work, projects and exams. Please use this too, it is available to all and for free. I know that sometimes owning a computer or having access to the internet is not available to all at home, so please use online access either either on school groups or at a public library. This access is for personal use, all of these assignments and tools, will be provided in class, so do not feel obligated to access the website.
After Class Help: Every Friday after class, you can stop by the classroom and go over any class material or question regarding the lectures. This time is open to all, and you are not obligated to attend, and it is the perfect time to prepare for an exam, which are always on Mondays.
Contacting Parents: As indicated in the syllabus, I reserve the right to contact students parents to communicate with them regarding their child's progress in the class. Such calls are also positive house calls, I believe that parental integration with a student's education only benefits their academic progress.
Albert, Linda. (1996). Cooperative Discipline. Philadelphia, PA: American Guidance Service.
Curwin, Richard & Mendler, Allen. (1999). Discipline with Dignity, Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Dr. Kagan, Spencer. (2002). What is Win-Win Discipline? Kagan Online Magazine. Retrieved September 18, 2014, from http://www.kaganonline.com/free_articles/dr_spencer_kagan/ASK15.php