Chapter 6: Social Context of Schools

I created a set of classroom policies to address certain negative behaviors that are contrary to educational goals. These would be posted in the classroom and a copy sent home with the students. Also mentioned is classroom exercises in conflict resolution, handling bullying and harassment, and various other proactive strategies to help prevent these behaviors.

Standards of appropriate behavior
in this classroom

While the Administration has policies in place to address these concerns, as a teacher, I wish to demonstrate my support with this statement.

A classroom should be a friendly, trusting environment for everyone to feel comfortable to learn in. We recognize that students may bring different backgrounds and beliefs into the classroom, and welcome the opportunity to broaden all of our own views. All persons in this class are expected to show equal respect towards others, help each other, and to behave in a positive manner that does not distract or disrupt. Disrespect or intolerance is not allowed. Treating someone with less respect or differently because of their appearance or physical abilities, their gender, their culture, or because they behave differently or have special needs, is unacceptable harassment, and can have serious consequences. This shall not apply to legitimate efforts to provide reasonable assistance to someone that may need it.

Put-downs, offensive language or jokes, malicious gossip of a personal nature, or “shunning”, is not allowed.
Any offensive conduct towards a person that threatens, harms, humiliates, ridicules, induces fear, or causes a person substantial emotional distress is unacceptable, and will be handled appropriately. Harassment will not be tolerated, especially if it is repeated - bullying. Serious incidents of abusive behavior may be referred to the Administration for further investigation.

Resolution of the problem may include appropriate strategies, such as Administrative discussions with problem students and their parents. Consequences are progressive, and can include possible suspension. Further behavior may be subject to ongoing monitoring, counseling and personal reflection, and increased supervision to ensure compliance. Administrative records will be kept of serious incidents.

People witnessing such behavior should report it immediately to a nearby teacher. Not reporting such mistreatment sends the message that you approve of their behavior; this makes you part of the problem.
Any person making an anonymous report shall not be identified, and harassment of them for doing so or of witnesses that come forward will not be tolerated.
Anonymous surveys will be given out to all students 2 or 3 times during the school year to help identify people with problem behavior, their victims, and where on the school property such acts have taken place.
Students should always feel free to discuss this or any other concerns they might have with this teacher, or with another one they feel comfortable with.

We will be carrying out a role-playing exercise in conflict resolution and mediation early in the school year. We will review various strategies to successfully handle situations where people disagree or are angry. We will also discuss bullying in this exercise, and how the Olweus method of bystanders coming to the assistance of victims can make a big difference. Periodic discussions will take place throughout the school year on these topics.

A weekly newsletter discussing class activities, progress, and homework assignments will be emailed to parents or sent home with students.