Sharing the List of Student Discipline Rules and Consequences

There should be an agreement between the teacher and students about the rules and consequences for classroom behavior. Don't forget to share this list with the significant people in the school community:

Parents

Parents typically become involved in discipline matters with their children once a rule has been violated. When parents are contacted to deal with a discipline problem, some become defensive and protective of their children. Some become overly upset with their children while others ignore the event. It helps to send the parents a list of the discipline rules and consequences.

One method of parent communication is to write a cover letter explaining the process. Include a copy of your class list and a return slip indicating that they have read and understood the contract. Enclosing a phone number for questions is also helpful.

Once parents have seen the list and understood how it will work, you have increased your chances of cooperation when their child breaks a rule. They understand what is expected of their children, and what consequences were agreed to by the class, and what their role is should a child break a rule. Should you find that a parents is upset with you for doing something to his child, you can refer to the list and explain your decision from a point of mutual understanding. If the parents are needed to fulfill a consequence, the chances of their cooperating will be strengthened if they have a prior understanding of their responsibilities.

Administrators

Administrators, like parents, should be informed of the list as it is developed. This is especially important if you include administrators as part of your consequences. You should reach a full agreement with administrators about any consequence that involves them. Even if they are not directly involved in your consequences, you can help yourself by informing them of your discipline plan. We find that clarity between teachers and administrators around the issue of discipline helps counteract the stress associated with feelings of isolation and lack of administrative support.

Substitute Teachers

When substitutes are given a copy of the rules and consequences, he or she will know exactly what is expected of your students and what can be done if your students break the rules. Most substitutes find they spend more time dealing with behavior than with subject matter. You can make life easier for them by providing classroom guidelines. It is also helpful to include a rule that stipulates that all other rules are in effect if a substitute is present.

Other Teachers

Other teachers may be having similar problems with a student. Sharing the list and its effectiveness with that student might be helpful in figuring ways to team up to solve the problem. Other teachers might want to try the list or get some ideas on how to modify the one they have.

Counselors

Counselors may find the list useful in understanding the learning environment of classes attended by certain students.