Parents: any ideas where to get info about school discipline programs?

[blondeatlast]

I'm really unhappy with the one at my son's school, and I'm definitely not alone, but the principal seems married to it.

FWIW, my son's school uses "Make Your Day," and my son nearly always does. But I have seen some kids who don't for the tiniest violations (in classroom observations), often when provoked by a child who DOESN'T get challenged.

[teach1st]

1. I don't like behavior programs...

Here's why:

Behavior programs are usually a "front-end" to a philosophy of hanging out with kids in a school/classroom situation. They often reflect a healthy philosophy, but when a certain way of managing the classroom is packaged and mandated it almost certainly looses its power. That's why you're seeing kids lose out for the tiniest violation. Teachers who may not understand classroom management often get caught up in the procedures rather than supporting a philosophy.

Anyway, I like helping kids become responsible for themselves. My way begins with a structure, but its best to lose the structure as soon as possible. I don't use the structure linked to below anymore, but the philosophy is always there in my classroom. No rewards for appropriate behavior. It's expected. No heavy consequences, either. Instead, use a logical sequence of questioning and discussion to help students become aware of and responsible for their behavior. Praise is authentic and for becoming responsible.

I will vouch for this philosophy, but it's hard to instill in a whole school. Too many teachers seem to think that bribing with candy, treats, or whatever is the only way to go.

Self-monitoring (my class site):
http://www.pb5th.com/selfmoni.shtml

[blondeatlast]

2. That makes far more sense than MYD, IMHO.

Do you know of other schools using it? We're in Phoenix, Arizona.

Thanks for the info--a teacher friend of mine wanted to enroll her daughter in my son's school until she asked me what discipline program was used. Her school ROUNDLY rejected MYD.

Actually, their program sounds kind of similar. I'm thinking Little BaL may go there next year.

[teach1st]

3. Individual teachers are using self-monitoring...

No whole schools. The reports I get are good. Problem is a weak teacher may not be able to use self-monitoring.

There are some better programs, but I haven't looked at them for a long time. Most teachers at my school use Love and Logic. They really like it and behavior seems to have improved.
http://www.loveandlogic.com/

Click here for a (PDF format) paper that claims that well-done behavior programs work.