Classroom Policies

I believe in Harry Wong's idea that there should be few Classroom Rules and many Classroom Procedures. A procedure is a system for doing a certain task or how to handle certain situations. I try to explain all of these to my students at the beginning of the year and practice these procedures through-out the year. The following are my few Classroom Rules: Respect others, property and yourself Be prepared for class Follow directions the first time they are given The following are some of my Classroom Procedures and an explanation: No borrowing pencils or paper. You may purchase pencils or paper from me. This helps teach students responsibility for being prepared for class. Pass papers in to your left. This allows less confusion as students aren't passing behind them or front of them to people they can't see. Take notes on a daily basis. You may not use your book on tests or quizzes, but you may use notes. This again teaches students responsibility and helps them to stay involved during class. This also gives students an opportunity to learn organizational skills. I dismiss the class, not the bell. This helps students recognize authority. Place completed homework in your folder. I provide every student with a folder that stays in class. When homework is completed it goes into the folder which stays in class. This prevents a lot of lost homework assignments. No calculators unless you have permission. At the middle school level it is important for students to be comfortable with the basic operations without a calculator. As I see that students can perform these basic functions, I then allow use of the calculator. If you are absent it is your job to ask about homework for while you are gone. Again giving responsibility to the student to help prepare them for high school. Keep track of your own grade on your grade sheet. I provide a grade sheet for students to keep track of their grades. This way they always know what their grade is as soon as they get a new grade. If you need help understanding a concept, come in any day before or after school as long as you give me 1 day's notice. This lets students know that I am always available for them. Every student who has taken advantadge of this opportunity has raised their grade.