Re-Norming Classroom Expectations

The re-norming process begins with pre-planning to raise the norm for acceptable behavior and revise the "Discipline Hierarchy." The No-Nonsense Nurturer basic guidelines to implementing the re-norming process is here reduced to three components:

• Explain to the students that we are re-norming behavioral expectations
              
• Consistently utilize the first three steps of the NNN four-step model
              
• Re-build relationships with challenging students and their families

Discipline Hierarchy

 

1. Warning

2. Formal Referral

3. Sent to Dean

Dean Consequences: At this point, it has been agreed upon that referrals to the dean will begin to result in loss of privileges and other consequences. Presumably behavior deans will begin actually confiscating the PED of those students in constant violation of that particular rule. Exactly how or when the behavior deans will address student referrals is not clear. Some teachers do seem to be allowing PED use in the classroom at certain times. This may be sending a mixed message. However, I have to re-norm my own classroom. I have carefully considered the requirements of a short but meaningful list of rules. My thinking:

Code of Conduct Considerations

Follow Directions

This is the cornerstone of the rules. Why? The NNN text answers that questions in the following way: "You will never be able to create a No-Nonsense culture if you cannot get your students to follow your directions!"

No Teasing, Bullying, or Swearing

The major consideration here is the profanity. NNN emphasizes the basics: "For my learners to be ready to learn, they have to know that they are in a physically safe environment where no one will be allowed to harm them or their property."


Known Issues?

No Food

No P.E.D.

Do Not leave Classroom without Permission



Stated in the positive . . .

• Be Safe
• Be Respectful
• Be Prepared

Code of Conduct

Sit Up and Stay Engaged

Don’t Talk During Instruction

No PED

No Profanity

No N-word





My framework: The North Star




STAR

• Sit up and stay fully engaged
• Talk only on topic during instruction
• Appropriate language use at all times
• Respect other people's feelings and property

___________ NOTES - extrinsic ___________

The NNN program advises to consider utilizing a class-wide points program. "Students should earn about 10-15 points an hour and should earn their reward within 2 weeks," the program advises. Nothing is mentioned about funding! But, the program also advises I . . . Give Out Class Points When the Following are Observed:

•     Voice levels meet the expectation of the teacher for a minute or two
•     All students are on task while the teacher is conducting instruction
•     A difficult student follows direction or is on task
•     Students work cooperatively in groups
•     The majority of students volunteer to answer questions
•     Students answer difficult/rigorous questions
•     Students take academic risks
•     Students enter the classroom silently
•     A transition goes smoothly
•     Students walk silently through the hallway

Have Student Keep Track of Points

The easiest way to keep track of the points students earn is to assign a responsible student to keep a Class Points Sheet on his/her desk. Every time you give out a point, that student makes a tally mark. You can periodically ask the student for the total the class has earned at that time. When the class has reached the goal, say 150 points, the “tallier” student should raise his/her hand and make the announcement to the class.