A rude student in my high school social studies class is out of controlI ask to meet with her and her mother the next morning before school

The next morning, neither LaKeitha nor her mom show

Following MorningThe following morning, LaKeitha arrives cryingHer story:She is the oldest of 5 childrenDad is in jailMom works 2 jobsLaKeitha works from 5-9 at Burger King to help the familyYesterday on the way to the meeting Mom was pulled over for

expired tabs and driving without a licenseMom is in jail nowLaKeitha is now alone with her 4 siblings – she is only 15Wants to know if I can help her mom get out of jail

How can we help her?Coping Strategies – ways to think about

attitudesOptions - what options are available right

now?Information – who in the support system can

helpTemporary Relief – who can help during the

crisis

Connections to other People and Resources – who are her resources? Who is her support system?

Positive Self-Talk – Make sure the voice she uses when she is talking over the situation is a nice one

Procedure Self-Talk – This is the voice that talks her through the task

Support SystemsWithin the School

School wide homework supportSupplemental reading program – computer based

program so students do not have to rely on parents for help

Keep students with the same teacher for two yearsTeach coping strategies – meet in small groups to

problem solveSchedule students in subgroups by skill –

subgroups can foster support

Parent training and contact – provide a video for communication and information

Teach survival skills – teaching study skills and other valuable helps

Daily goal setting – helps with procedural talk and makes it real and personal, building hope

Team intervention – create a team with administrators, parents, teachers and student

Punishment

vs

Lesson Learning

Poverty’s View of Discipline

Judgment is dispensedPrice of Penance determinedWhen forgiveness is granted, behaviors return

to normal – no change has been made

AnalysisWhat kinds of behaviors does a child need to be

successful?Does the child have the resources to develop

those resources?Will it help to contact parents?How will behaviors be taught?What are other choices the child could make?What will help the child repeat the successful

behavior?

Possible BehaviorsBehavior Reason

Laughs at disciplineArgue loudly with

teacherAngry response

Inappropriate or vulgar comments

Physical fight

A way to save faceDistrust of authority –

system is unfairAnger based on fear –

identify fearDoes not know formal or

appropriate languageSurvival mode – teach

conflict resolution

Behavior ReasonHands always on

someone elseCan not follow

directionsExtremely

disorganizedCompletes only part of

assignmentDisrespectful to

teacher

Heavy reliance on non-verbal

Little procedural memory used in poverty

Lack of planning or prioritizing taught

Does not “see” the whole task

May not know any adults worthy of respect

Behavior ReasonHarm other students

verbally or physicallyCheat or steal

Talk incessantly

Way of life – a habitual response

Weak support system and role models

Poverty is very participatory

Negotiate and TeachTeach structure and choice for self-governmentDo not let your anger speakBe sure to negotiate how to get desired behaviorUse a voice that is non-judgmental and positive

Ask in what ways could this be resolvedI would like to recommendI am uncomfortable with…Another option could be…What are the consequences of your behavior? We can agree to disagree

Teach Hidden RulesTeach the difference between street rules and

school rulesAt school, not good to laugh when

disciplinedKeep a straight face and look sorry even if

you do not feel it

Help Students Be SuccessfulStudents from poverty need to have 2 sets of

behaviors to choose fromPurpose of discipline should be to promote

successful behaviorTeach students to negotiate for conflict resolutionStructure and choice need to be part of the

discipline approachDiscipline should be seen and used as a form of

instruction

ChoicesWe have each seen teachers exhibit both good

and bad examples of classroom management and discipline.

Now we need to draw from experience and education to decide which style we will use to help students be successful within our realm of influence.