No matter the situation we will always have incidents that lead to disciplinary action being taken in our schools. Even the highest performing campuses are not devoid of kids being kids. How do we respond when students misbehave? How can we ensure that we discipline students with dignity?
Discipline comes from the Latin word disciplina,which means instruction and training. Discipulus, another form of the word is the source of the word disciple or pupil. Oftentimes in our schools we are not being true to the origin of discipline.
There have been many programs and books written about discipline. Two of the latest programs in schools are Capturing Kids Hearts and Restorative Practices. Both programs are centered around relationships.
There is always a reason for student misbehavior. It may be a rough start to the morning with a parent yelling at the student, a lack of sleep from the night before, or anxiety because of struggles learning the material being taught. Misbehavior could also be from a lack of engagement. The content being taught could be uninteresting or poorly delivered.
Whatever the source of the behavior, we as educators are tasked with trying to figure out how to best help our students. Sometimes this requires a student to be removed from class. Other times the student can be redirected with a quick conversation with their teacher. Either way we have to sharpen our tools of engaging students to discuss what is causing them to act out.
The first question I ask students when I see them in my office is “What happened?” Usually students are upfront about the incident, but sometimes I get the response “I don’t know.” My next question is usually “What were you supposed to be doing?” Followed by “Why weren’t you doing it what you were asked?”
During the course of the conversation I am able to gauge what’s going on with the student and offer guidance. I often ask students to tell me how they could have handled the situation differently? We come up with strategies that could be used to help them respond differently should they encounter the same problem. Kids are kids and they need repeated reminders and opportunities to learn.
In most instances students are ready to return to class and continue their day. Sometimes the incident that occurred in class is more serious and requires that the student be removed. Even in those instances a conversation is required. A student that was angry and disruptive will of course need time to calm down. Once the student is calm there can usually be a conversation about the correct response.
Before a student goes back to class, especially if they have been removed, there should be a reentry plan. If possible, a conversation with the classroom teacher about expectations would help. This could also be an opportunity for the student to share their thoughts.
I know that teachers question why students are brought back to class after an incident. Students are on campus to learn and what they need to learn often cannot occur in an administrators office. If the student had articulated what caused their actions and they are now ready to learn, they should be welcomed back into class, within reason.
Out of school suspensions, while sometimes necessary, should be a last resort. The goal should always be for students to get as much instruction as possible. That’s hard to do when a student is always out of class for disciplinary reasons.
My Life In Education… 