Discipline with Dignity Chapter 4 (responses due Nov. 15)

The specific elements that make up a social contract are (1) classroom values or principles (this is the “why” we learned about in chapter 2), (2) specific rules that are based on the values/principles (these are the what and how), (3) a range of consequences of reach rule (remember the difference between control and choice), (4) student input developing rules and consequences (the more the students are involved in the plan, the more they will follow it), (5) a test for student comprehension (students continue to take the test until they pass it), (6) a time investment, (7) communication with parents (letter, phone call, email, parent night, etc.), and (8) use of administrators (get administrative support and back-up).--Dianne

What specific elements make up a social contract?
The elements that make up a social contract are communication with parents and administrators so everyone is involved. There are specific rules that are based on values and principles.There needs to be a variety of consequences for each rule.Students should also be involved in the process of coming up with rules and consequences.Students should have a test for student comprehension of the rules and consequences. It takes some time to implement the social contract and make changes and adjustments that are needed .

What are the benefits of involving students in developing rules and consequences?
The more that students are involved in the process of developing rules and their own
consequences, they more they feel that the plan is a part of them. Therefore they are more
likely to follow the plan if they had a say in it! As a teacher, you should have rules and consequences
already in mind and LEAD your students in that direction when developing them. This way, you still have
the rules you need in place but the kids think they created them. I found this to be
incredibly effective because then the kids arent "shocked" when the consequence is given because
they made it up!

I liked how we had the session at the retreat where we made sure our classroom rules had effective components including the what and why.

It has been brought up several times by Mrs. Burke and Mrs.Rice about knowing the difference between control and choices. If students have control over consequences and rules they will learn to make good choices. They become responsible for their own actions and can monitor when they are doing things right or wrong. I also think when students come up with the rules and consequences they hold themselves up to higher expectations.

Excellent point McRea! Teacher shouldn't "shock" students with a capricious set of rules and consequences. When students are aware of the rule(s) and have the understanding of WHY they exist- they'll be much more likely to follow them.

The number one reason why it is important to involve students in developing rules and consequences, is that it preserves their dignity. I recently had an assignment that was due to our Executive Director for the Central Zone,  and I failed to complete it. Even when we (APs) had our meeting and he collected the homework assignments, I was disappointed in myself and I knew that I had not followed through on completing the assignment. The director collected the assignments and then asked, "How many of you didn't complete the assignment?" He made a big deal about it and then said, "How do you think students feel when we discipline them in front of their peers." This made me think about the entire book and I will now change my approach before approaching any situation.

i also agree with Mrs. Burke's comments about Social Contracts, it is all about the students valuing the rules and consequences. I challenge all teachers to take another look at their consequences and involve students in the decision making process to see if they become more receptive to the rules. 

1. What specific elements make up a social contract?
A social contract is an agreement between teacher and students. The agreement is based on values, rules and consequences for classroom behavior. An effective social contract consist of connecting rules to values, rules needed to run an effective classroom, involving students in developing rules to help them succeed , rules are clear and specific, consequences should match the rule, holding both parents and students accountable if parents feel a rule should be different and update the contract regularly for effectiveness.

I agree, students need to take part in making rules.

I completely agree that the students will be held accountable more so if they establish the rules. 

1.The specific elements to a Social Contract are: The classroom values/principles along with the rules that are based on those values, Allowing the students to contribute to creating the rules and the consequences, Ensuring that students understand the contract, and including Parents and Administrators in the understanding of the contract so that they may be supportive of the contract.

2.The benefits are endless to including students in the development of rules and consequences.  Students voices and opinions need to be heard.  Allowing the children to participate gives them ownership of the rules and consequences.  Once allowing the students to vote on the most needed rules and the the best consequences, the students are better able to understand that these rules are not for just for the teachers but for the entire class.  This ownership can be used throughout the year by not just stating that the teacher thinks a particular rule/consequence must be followed, but that the students all agreed on these guidelines. 

What are the benefits of involving students in the Social Contact?
Students want to be heard, not just dictated to. In fact, we all want to be heard. Sometimes we forgot that our students feel this way just like adults do. They come from homes where their voices are not heard, so it is a pleasant surprise when we are willing to listen.
Students take more ownership of the "rules" and consequences when they have developed them themselves.