Making A List And Checking It Twice

It is important to document students’ misconduct.  Finding a simple system for recording infractions can make this easier.  Complicated systems are time-consuming and do not always get used.  One simple way is Communicator Cards (3 x 5 cards) placed on each student’s desk or notebook.  Each time the student violates a rule, it is recorded on the card.  Many teachers require that these cards be taken home and signed by the student’s parent(s)  Another way, especially with older students, is a tracking method where the teacher uses part of a grade book.  By numbering the rules and lettering the consequences, action can be documented in a matter of seconds.  For example, a student violates rule #4 and receives the consequence lettered “a.” “4/a” is written by the student’s name in the grade book on the date it happened.  See the example below.

Rules:

• • • Be prompt.
    • Be prepared.
    • Be neat.
    • Be considerate.
      Follow instructions.

Consequences:

• • • Verbal correction/teacher counseling
    • “Cooling off,” “timeout,” or other in-class/in-school disciplinary action
    • Withdrawal of privileges
    • Detention
    • Note/call home to parent(s)
    • Request assistance from parent(s)
    • Request assistance from the office
    • Request removal from the classroom
    • Other: please specify

Some Ideas For Giving Notice Of Discipline Violations:

1. Infraction notices should be filled out — even though you are going to take care of the problem by yourself.
2. Have students sign the infraction notice. If a student refuses to sign the notice, put “Student Refused To Sign” on the slip.
3. Send copies of classroom violations to the office, counselor, and parent for their information (FYI).
4. Mail FYI notices home to parents on Thursdays in a plain or colorful envelope. Do not use a school envelope for this purpose.

If problems continue, parents should be called or notified.  Again, the teacher should deal with minor problems. However, at some point help from the office must be sought for some students.