Classroom Management has always been a strength of mine. I am typically that teacher that has at least one or two "special friends" on my class list. I am also that teacher who houses special friends when their teacher needs a break.
Having moved grade levels for the past three years, I know that my current fourth graders didn't show this behavior 2 years ago. For some reason, other than age, their behavior is decreasing, and referrals are increasing. Sadly, this is a school-wide phenomenon. We have seen a downward shift in behavior in the last two years, which is the same time we changed school leadership.
Our former principal and current principal couldn't be on two different ends of the spectrum when dealing with school behavior. One elicited fear while the other has a more relaxed approached. However, neither implemented a school-wide discipline plan. There are no explicit school-wide expectations for students to follow. Also, not a clear way to document and handle reoccurring behaviors.
The impact of not having clear school-wide expectations is clearly being seen now. Once my students, leave my classroom they change. As a classroom teacher, I can only intervene so many times. I can't be with them everywhere in the building nor do I think it is fair for me to always reprimand them for behaviors I didn't see. Teachers are not feeling supported when it comes to behavior. Teachers are not sure when to complete an office referral. Most don't want to complete one because it makes them look bad and our ISS room is not viewed as a punishment.
Unfortunately, our principal is not on board with implementing a program like PBIS. She doesn't want to tell teachers how to run their classroom. I can respect that however, our students need structure, consistent and clear expectations.
As Spring Fever continues to set in, any ideas on effective ways to handle school behavior?
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