REFLECTION ZONE: Classroom Management

I read the article "Classroom Management: Whose Job Is It?" by Robert Marzano from the October 2011 edition of Educational Leadership.

The main point of this article was that teachers, administrators, and students all have an important role to play in effectively managing behaviors in school.  Teachers must provide clear direction and create a positive learning atmosphere where students feel valued and challenged.  Teachers must have rules and procedures that are continually referenced and consistently reinforced.  Administrators must establish a schoolwide foundation, and they must enforce guidelines that safe and respectful behaviors occur between teachers and students.  All students, not just student council representatives, must have a voice and help design rules for their school and classrooms. Students also must help support enforcement of the rules.  Teachers, administrators, and students all have shared responsibilities to manage school behavior.  Classroom management is necessary before effective teaching or learning can occur. 

I agree with this article.  We have had students help create our Social Contract, and it has been effective.  I have it posted in my room and reference it as needed throughout the year.  It helps that the entire school has the same contract, and all the kids are on the same page.  It takes EVERYONE to make a successful school.