Category: Student Behavior

My Radical Approach to Class Management

“My collaborative approach to discipline may sound too good to be true. But it’s still working, eight years into the experiment,” writes David Finkle. “Some classes respond immediately; some need time to adjust to the paradigm shift. But in the end, it nearly always works.”

A Fresh Approach to Middle School Behavior

What mix of behavior strategies can build happier, higher achieving middle schools? Principal Michael Gaskell shares customized PBIS methods his New Jersey school uses to help students stay in school, develop positive mentor relationships, and achieve greater success.

What We Risk When We Jump to Conclusions

Troublemakers. Forgetters. The Clingers. The Confused. Barbara Blackburn looks at how we often jump to conclusions and miss chances to build trust, explore the needs behind the behaviors, and help students grow. Once we jump, she warns, it’s hard to jump back.

How Dialogue Circles Promote Student Growth

Dialogue circles can facilitate brain function and help “increase generosity, trust, intrinsic motivation, social connection, and cooperation so students can work together for a common purpose,” writes inner-city middle school principal David Palank.