Many schools have discipline management systems. Teachers are expected to have a management system, as well. Many times these plans (at classroom and/or the building level) do not involve the office or parents early in the process. Teachers must wait long periods of time before a problem can be brought to the office. Most administrators expect teachers to handle simple discipline problems.

Therefore, in early incidents of SIMPLE misconduct, teachers should be careful about asking the office for help. Many teachers believe that the more times you visit the office on discipline matters, the lower your evaluation will be at the end of the year. However, we at UEA have discovered that it is a good idea to inform the office and parents of problems as early as possible. This can be done through a simple FYI notice to the office, with a copy mailed to parents. Some districts have district infraction slips that can be used for this purpose, or if these are not available, teachers can make their own (see UEA example). Remember, the notice should be designed in such a way as to make it clear that the problem is being handled and that no action is expected to be taken by the office at this time.

Many times an early notice will correct the misconduct. This action also builds an official record of student misconduct. FYI notices should be mailed to parents on Thursday so that they get them on Friday. This gives parents the weekend to discuss the problem with their child and to take additional action of their own.