Classroom Expectations-Behavior

My general approach to High School-aged students is really very simple. I make every effort to treat my students like adults, to treat them with the respect, compassion, and common courtesy that I expect of others.

I believe the classroom should be a cooperative environment, where the course of study is guided by student interests, where instruction is flexible enough to address a wide variety of needs and interests. However, students need to understand that my classroom is not a democracy.

►Behavior

The classroom should be a place where all students are encouraged to stretch their intellect, where they feel free to take risks, to ask questions. It should be a place where students work together to reach common goals.

Towards this end, I would like to spell out a few simple, but ABSOLUTELY INVIOLABLE guidelines for behavior in the classroom.

ü        Everyone in the room deserves to be treated with respect. Disrespectful, disruptive or offensive behavior will not be tolerated in the classroom at any time.

ü        Students are expected to display common courtesy while in the classroom. In addition to the simple fact that it is the right thing to do, courtesy is an essential ingredient to any group’s success.

ü        As a general rule, please NEVER speak while somebody else is speaking to the class.

ü        Behavior guidelines & rules specific to each class may be agreed upon throughout the length of any course.

►Discipline

Every student is expected to maintain appropriate behavior in the classroom. “Inappropriate” behavior is outlined in the NHS Student Handbook, and is generally behavior that is disruptive, disrespectful, or offensive.

ü        My preference is to deal with discipline issues personally, without the involvement of the front office or the Principal.

ü        If a student’s behavior is inappropriate, the teacher will:

·    First, give the student a verbal warning

·    Next, assign the student to a brief teacher detention at the end of the school day

·    Next, assign the student to a longer teacher detention at the end of the school day

·    Finally, if necessary, require the student to leave the classroom. Students who are sent from class must report to the ESC room, across the hall from Guidance

·    Students who are sent from class may not return during that period, and are required to report to teacher detention at the end of the school day.

ü        Students who are sent from class will be assessed a point penalty. If a student is sent from class twice during the same week, that student must meet with the teacher and the student’s parents before returning to the classroom.

 ►Detention

ü        If a student does not report to teacher detention, he or she will be assessed a point penalty that will affect his or her grade. Missing any teacher detention will also result in a referral to the front office.