I must say this week has been a little better. Around this time last week I was ready to resign this position. I am having to adjust to the realization that the disruptive students will not be moved out. Each of my classes has its own unique issues. It seems the disruptive groups out weigh the students who are interested in the health field ( in each class ). This is another week,I have made it through. Take care and have a good week-end.
Julia
Could you elaborate on some of the issues? Perhaps we could brainstorm some solutions on this blog. Dr. J
ReplyDeleteMany of the students were placed in the Health Science Academy against their will.My 1st period started out with at least 50+ students. It took almost 2 weeks for the class to be down sized.Since that time it has been difficult to gain control.I've had students removed for disruptive behavior,only to be sent back to class with the same behavior.I've contacted parents and the student's behavior continues.Many of the students have basically refused to complete assignments, failed exams and talk continuosly during instructions.Group projects have been counter-productive.They do not listen to directions verbally nor written, are disrespectful,and get loud / defiant when asked to move to another seat or to step outside the room for a conference.
ReplyDeleteThe 2nd period has a segment of students who only want to socialize
and constantly talk out loud for everybody to hear.The other students sit on a different side
and "shake" their heads at the loud group.
The 3rd period has about 4 young men who are like "jumping jacks". They are constantly moving from seat to seat or student to student.They like to joke constantly.They like to holler out,etc ( these are 11th graders). Some of the young ladies like to talk ,comb hair, etc. When instructed to stop they get serious attitudes.One young lady said she was getting dumber and dumber because of this class and proceeded to tell one of the administrator how I need to teach.I do have students in each class who are interested but it is hard for them to pay attention due to the distractions.Again,I have called parents,written disciplinary forms,held student conferences and sent them to the administrators,only to be sent back with more disruptions.The students feel administration isn't going to do anything,so the behavior continues.It's like a domino effct.
Julia
Julia, Have you tried to discuss these situations with your administration? Have you shown them the documentation you are keeping on these disruptive students? It sounds like these students are trying you out and they feel like they are winning when they are sent back to class. If you don't have a strong administration backing you, they will pick up on that and take over not only your classroom but the whole school! Have you tried to talk to some of the other teachers for these students? I have found that by talking to them (especially if they are coaches) and asking them how they are in their class, that sometimes one particular teacher can pull that kid aside and say something about their behavior in your class vs theirs. If the student acts differently in your class vs others, maybe those other teachers can give you tips on how to reach these kids and to have them see that healthcare is not a playground.
ReplyDeleteI feel for you and for the students who DO want to learn. It does make it difficult!
my mentor gave me some good advice last year. he told me to find a way to handle my students without getting the administrators involved. less serious offenses of course. he told me that if the students see that i could not handle discipline and sent everyone to the office they would see that as a sign of weakness and i would lose respect wiht teh students..so i try to handle the problmes without the administrations. i know we wnat all our kids to pass but truth is some kids fail..it may because they are not very smart or they dont care, most of the time they dont care...peer pressure works great..offer a reward if the class as a whole has a good week..(i guess you could call that a bribe also.hehehe)..if all else fails move classrooms and dont tell the bad kids!!!
ReplyDeletefor your second period have you tried a different seating chart..maybe seperating them would make it harder for them to talk
Julia,
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine a class with 50+ students! Did you even have enough desks or chairs in the room? How large is your room? Just being packed in a room like sardines would make even good students disruptive.
Julia, it sounds like you are doing the very best that anyone could possibly do. I worry about safety at your school. Is the environment safe for the students and for YOU?
It sounds like this week was a little better for you. But you must be exhausted by the time the weekend comes.
Get some much needed rest. Sometimes a good rest helps everything look better.
I love you, lady! Hang in there!
Connie
Please see my post at the link below. I think you will find some of the resources I provided there helpful. Thank you Julie, Perry, and Connie for offering such sound advice.
ReplyDeletehttp://newcteteachers.blogspot.com/2007/09/classroom-management-links.html
I also have one very distrubtive student. Most of my students want to be in my class, but I have several who do not and those are the ones causing trouble. My wife has a waiting list for her health occupation classes. What she does is the very first days of class she finds out who does not want to take her class and then asks the counselors to remove those kids and in turn place a kid on the waiting list into her class. It has taken her two years to develop a good working relationship with the counselors, but now she only has the "typical" student related problems.
ReplyDeleteI was advised to keep a detailed documentation log of all discipline I have given my trouble making students. We have the ability to write a student up to the point that they get ISS. Eventially, it will end up becoming OSS. Sometimes the student ends up in the alternative school. Usually they are discipline issues for all their teachers not just one. If all teachers are consistent then the behavioral pattern will be clearly shown when the student is subject to being placed at the alternative school.
My first year all of the returning students were in one class.Everything was,thats not how the teacher did last year.It took almost to CRISTMAS before that group came around to my way of thinking.After that group got their first 9 weeks grades,they realized they needed to straighten up.Remember you give them the materials and teach them its their responsibility to try.Also,Igave my best class a pizza party at the end of each semester.My third block won the party the first time,then just after the first of the new semester my first block said they was going to try to win that semester,and they were good enough to win.It probably cost 50 dollars for each of the two parties,but it gave them a reason to straighten up and do good.It really helped me and I'm doing it again this year.I know how it is I was ready to Quit last year too.Just remember a good Prayer helps also.
ReplyDeleteI "REALLY" appreciate all of your comments. I am keeping a paper trail of the problems. I'll keep tugging away. Perry, I have been able to squash some behaviors in the classroom but some students continue. Steve, last year I fed each of my classes but with these, I don't know ( smile ).Believe me ,PRAYER is what has sustained me thus far. Julie, I have spoken to the coach ( who happens to be the dean for our department ) and he is the one who continues to send the students back.Connie,Jessie and Dr.J., thanks.
ReplyDeleteJulia