Thursday, March 31, 2011

Getting a feel for consequences

In my middle school internship, the steepest part of my learning curve involves the proper way to handle discipline matters.  When I was in the classroom, I took tremendous pride in the fact that I rarely had to send my problems "up to the office."  In other words, special consequences (suspensions, etc.) were never needed.

But as an administrator it seems like I won't be able to take a "let's just handle it between you and me" approach to discipline.  When certain rules are broken, consequences need to be doled out accordingly.  As I sit through more and more office meetings, I am trying to get a sense for what consequences fit what actions.  The truth is, there are many instances when a consequence does nothing good for a student (especially out of school suspensions).  The obvious comparison would be whether prisons punish or rehabilitate.

As a teacher I was so skilled in handling these kinds of situations.  As a principal it won't be as easy.

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