Discipline in the Secondary Classroom: A Problem-By-Problem Survival Guide

Far from being dry theory or college-class textbook, this book is full of useful methods for dealing with classroom-management situations. Sprick suggests, first of all, which behaviors to ignore. These can include comments such as "More junk to do!" Talking back can be handled initially by a mild consequence. This allows the student a graceful means of backing off. Individuals who talk at inappropriate times can be given a standing time out. Cheating should be handled in private, so that the student doesn't feel the need to create a power struggle with the teacher in order to save face in front of peers. The author describes a classwide reinforcement system that can be used to gain control of a chaotic, unmotivated classroom. Points accumulate towards a student-chosen reward, such as free time, one class period outdoors, etc. If one student chronically defies the system, he is informed that he is no longer part of the classwide-reward system, and is now subject to an individual-reward system. Sprick recommends the inclusion of cooperation as part of individual grades for classes with low-achieving students. For instance, the class-participation-and-effort grade can represent 60% of the students' total grade. Two points can be earned whenever students are quietly in their seats, with proper classroom materials and readiness for work, one minute after the bell rings. More points can be earned when all students follow all directions and attend to instruction. Students who misbehave can be fined individual points. The remaining 40% of the grade is based on academic content. As an experienced teacher, I personally found many of Sprick's suggestions for classroom management to be quite useful.

This book is a well laid out, practical approach to improving your classroom management abilities. It goes through most or all of the thoughs and proceedures that should go into a management plan and gives ideas for implementing them. If you like your ideas laid out in sequential order then this book is perfect for you. Everything is step-by-step and each chapter leads into the next. At the end of every chapter the main proceedures that were talked about are given again along with a checklist and a box for writing in your personal ideas.

Absolutely Outstanding! I have passed it to other teachers and everyone agrees - this is the best discipline guidebook I've ever seen. Ever.

This is an excellent book for the secondary teacher. It provides an excellent starting point. It identifies ways to solve problems, as well as ways to prevent them in the first place. It also gives suggestions for grading, and ways of phrasing things such as classroom rules, without being too immature. Every new teacher should get this book to calm your jittery nerves!

I first found this book 10 years ago. The summer after my first disasterous year of teaching. It armed me with the ability to plan a school year with confidence. The practical suggestions on how to begin a new semester and effective grading systems made a world of difference in my classroom. My students no longer had to second guess my actions, and niether did thier parents. Since then I have purchased an edition for each of my 6 student teachers and all of my 20 mentorees.