Standard+D3+Teacher+demonstrates+effective+management


 * Date ** : 2011-2012 School Year

** Evidence/activity/anecdote ** : I feel like teaching the routines and expectations of the classroom is part of the curriculum. I spend the first six weeks of school modeling, practicing, and having classroom meetings to talk about management. The students come up with our **class agreements** at the beginning of the year. Students know from the get-go what the consequences are if they don’t do what they’re supposed to do. Having the telephones in the rooms is great. It is easier than ever to give parents a call if need be.

I’ve learned throughout the years that consistency is key. I aim to be very consistent with my students. I feel that helps to maintain fairness, and a logical, predictable day for my class. I try to be very consistent with my routines that I set up as well, so that there are never any surprises. I find that this helps the students to learn their new environment in a safe manner. Obviously as the year progresses, some of these routines can be adapted and changed as they grow and mature.

I like to have parents aware of what is happening in my class at all times. This helps for consistency, especially in regards to behavior management. I’m very timely in my response to parents via emails, and I keep them regularly updated through my blog, emails and their homework assignment books.Also I have students fill out **weekly self-assessments**. It is a quick way of having the students reflect on their own behavior and take ownership of their behavior. These are glued into the agendas so parents can see. Because I explain it at Open House, parents know to look for these each Friday in the agenda. Having honest and direct dialogue with parents also helps my student’s learning, as home and school are clearly aligned. I believe this has the strongest impact on a child’s learning.