Elena's CM plan

Ms. Adamo’s Classroom Strategies and Expectations: 

Ms. Adamo’s Classroom Strategies and Expectations EDSE 500 University of Mississippi July 21, 2006 Elena Marie Adamo South Delta High School Rolling Fork, MS

My Definition of Classroom Management:: 

My Definition of Classroom Management: A system of expectations that promote the best possible learning environment for the teacher and students An agreement reached among the learning community that holds each participant accountable for the learning experience of themselves and their peers

My Educational Philosophy:: 

My Educational Philosophy: Education is driven by the student’s natural curiosity. It is the teacher’s responsibility to guide their inquiry and to serve as a resource by which the student can find answers to their questions. All students want to learn and can do so if provided the necessary tools. One of those tools is an environment conducive to learning and compatible with the learning styles of every student. Every student is expected to work to achieve the highest level of academic success

A Positive Learning Environment:: 

A Positive Learning Environment: A place where students are encouraged to explore their environment and inspired with a sense of wonder at the world around them A place where students are taught how to learn, where they are prepared for a life of inquiry A place where students and teacher work together to promote and enhance the learning experience of every individual

“Respect the learning environment”: 

“Respect the learning environment” The students and teacher will work as a team to build a set of expectations that define respect for the learning environment. Once established these expectations will be followed by students and teacher. Throughout the year these guidelines will be revised with the input of the entire group. Final decisions and interpretations will fall to the teacher. Students will be informed of the experimental nature of this system and warned that, should they fail to demonstrate the necessary level of maturity, the system will be replaced with a more rigid set of teacher-defined rules.

Questions for Establishing Classroom Expectations:: 

Questions for Establishing Classroom Expectations: What is the learning environment? What is respect? Under what conditions do you work best? What types of behaviors of yourself and your classmates will allow you to learn best? What expectations do you have of yourself and your classmates as far as promoting an environment in which you can work best?

Consequences:: 

Consequences: Student will be verbally warned that their behavior is in violation of one or more of the group’s expectations. Student’s name will be placed on the board to inform them that their behavior is unacceptable and if continued will result in disciplinary action. A check mark will be placed next to the student’s name should their behavior continue. This will indicate that their behavior warrants movement to a level three consequence.

Consequences:: 

Consequences: Student will be given an assignment to copy all the words of a certain letter from the glossary in their textbooks. The number of repetitions will vary with the severity of the transgression. Along with the assignment a letter will be sent home to the student’s parents and will have to be signed and returned with the assignment the next day. Student will be sent to the office and with recommendation for ISS, AE or other consequence appropriate to the transgression. Student’s parent will also be called and a conference may be arranged with student and parent to discuss the behavior.

Consequence Modifiers:: 

Consequence Modifiers: Consequences will not always be administered in order but rather in whatever manner is appropriate to the student’s behavior or behavioral progression. Each consequence level 2 and above will be accompanied by at least a brief discussion between student and teacher about why the disciplined behavior was inappropriate and how it can be avoided in the future.

Daily Rewards:: 

Daily Rewards: Primarily students will rewarded through a sense of accomplishment at being able to control themselves so that they and their classmates can learn Verbal praise and big smiles will be administered for both academic and behavioral accomplishments on a daily basis Students will be encouraged to praise and or thank one another for academic and behavioral successes.

Individual Rewards:: 

Individual Rewards: A “Wall of Excellence” will be created featuring exemplary students work (tests, quizzes, projects, papers) In-class modeling/art projects and activity products will be displayed both inside the classroom and in the hallway Students will elect a “Super Student” every other week. This student will be exempt from most warm-ups and will be responsible for copying the schedule and assignments for absent classmates

Group Rewards:: 

Group Rewards: The class will go on field trips and “Stream Outings” and/or have parties/activity days when they demonstrate appropriate behavior. The teacher will bake the class cookies or other treats when they demonstrate exceptionally good/studious behavior for the week.

Entering the Classroom:: 

Entering the Classroom: Students will be greeted by teacher in the hallway and will place homework/assignments in a tray as they come in and head to their seats Students will quickly and quietly begin work on the warm-up or journal exercise while the teacher takes role and makes other preparations

Tardy/Absentee Policy:: 

Tardy/Absentee Policy: The classroom door will be shut and locked when the tardy bells rings. Students who are late will have to go to the office for a pass before they can enter the classroom Students who miss class will be required to bring a note to have the absence excused Students who have missed work due to lateness or being absent will have one day to make up small assignments and three days to make-up tests or projects, after that they will receive a zero.

Finishing Early:: 

Finishing Early: Students may journal freely or read from a book out of the class collection while they wait for classmates to complete the assignment.

Bathroom passes:: 

Bathroom passes: Students will be permitted a maximum of 2 bathroom passes per 9-weeks. Passes are to be used for emergencies and with the teacher’s approval. Bathroom passes may not be used in the first or last 15 minutes of the class, in accordance with school-wide policy.

Dismissal:: 

Dismissal: Students may not begin packing up their belongings until the teacher dismisses the class The bell is just a suggestion. Students will not leave the classroom until the teacher indicates that class is over for the day. Students who were asked to stay after will pack up but remain at their desks until the teacher has finished addressing them individually.

Parent Involvement:: 

Parent Involvement: Parents will be sent a syllabus, parent volunteer sheet and introductory letter via the student within the first week of school. Parents will also receive an introductory phone call within the first three weeks of school. Parents will be sent progress reports at least every 9-weeks, more often for students who are having difficulty. For students who are in danger of failing, parents will be sent a weekly homework schedule and will receive phone calls before every test and major assignment.

Parent Involvement:: 

Parent Involvement: Parents will be invited to attend class regularly, particularly on days where students will be presenting a project or when we have a “Stream Day” Parents will be encouraged to participate in and hopefully co-organize weekend extra-credit service learning projects and field trips (stream days, recycling projects, Mississippi River trip, wildlife refuge trip, Jackson Science Museum, etc.)

How did it work?: 

How did it work? I didn’t let them write their own expectations because I was scared Requires maturity; I will not be using it for middle school I did not enforce rules consistently

What will I change?: 

What will I change? I will have clearly defined rules I will rigidly enforce all rules I will use enforceable consequences and not rely on incompetent administrators I will explain my expectations in great detail I will increase communication with parents

Thank you.Any questions?: 

Thank you. Any questions?