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Describe one or two discipline policies in place in your classroom or at your school that adhere to the model discussed in this lesson. Have they been effective?
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I believe that it’s important to have a checks and balances system in the classroom where the classroom rules are clearly stated at the beginning of the year. Students need to know they must respect one another and respect the teacher. At our school, there is a warning system that first begins with a verbal warning, then a documented warning and then if the behavior isn’t corrected there are demerits documented, and finally, the dean of men or women would be involved if the student’s behavior was not corrected. Of course, it is our hope and desire that a simple verbal warning would suffice and the student’s behavior would be corrected. Most often times this is the case, but occasionally offenses need to be escalated. As teachers, we need to be demonstrating and reminding the students that we are called to love one another and to treat one another as we would want to be treated based on Christ’s teaching.
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We use a Christian version of restorative justice, which works well for elementary. However, we are still exploring secondary methods because the RTC format isn’t working.
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Respect other and yourselves is a class rule I have. People say how to I respect myself? I say, you are an image bearer of the Lord. You musn’t curse yourself for a mistake that you have made. “I’m stupid.”, etc., comments. When they are made I cancel the thought and bring correction. By the confession of our mouth… we must be careful the words that come out. Students forget they are image bearers and are more harsh on themselves then they should. I tell them, why would you be so harsh on yourself ? (learning a new math concept) You haven’t done this before, it’s not a matter of intelligence, but a matter of practice. Don’t be so harsh in judgment of yourself. I remind them they and there neighbor are image bearers and we must be mindful of what we say about our neighbor and ourselves.
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In many schools, there is now a prohibition on expulsion or suspension. Dr. Black encouraged use of these consequences so students can see the serious nature of their offense and repent. I am seeing behavior get worse because schools cannot expel students.
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Respect is a large thing that I expect from my students. I often say that it is not natural that we will all be everyone’s cup of tea, I do not expect everyone to be “friends” but I do expect everyone to respect one another and to treat everyone with kindness.