Keeping Kids
Above the Line

Daily -- probably multiple times each day -- teachers remind students to lower their voices, walk more slowly, wait to be called on, be polite, or take responsibility. But only rarely do educators explain how students should walk, talk, or act to avoid further admonishments. If teachers take the time to outline and demonstrate expectations and give students opportunities to practice appropriate behaviors, then compliance becomes easier, according to the Above the Line behavior management approach developed by former teacher Corwin Kronenberg. Once students understand and see behaviors that are "above the line" (acceptable) and "below the line" (unacceptable) they have fewer excuses for not "toeing the line."

By the way, theres also "bottom line" behavior -- including safety risks and illegal actions -- that automatically draw principal intervention.

Source: Keeping Kids Above the Line

09/14/2010