Admittedly, my classroom is "busier" than most. You will find my classes engaged in discussions, activities, and there is often movement. With this comes the need for effective classroom management. One of the most important components of maintaining an effective classroom environment is the relationship and respect between teacher and students, but there is also a need for communication between teacher, student, parent, and administration. I have used a checkbook system in the past in which students get "paid" for various things (grades, good behavior, attendance-- whatever behavior you are attempting to nurture and/or improve), and must pay me for needs, wants, or poor judgement. I have certain rules I consider my non-negotiables, but I typically give students input to other policies and procedures important to them. When these rules are broken, there is a fine they must pay. What if they do not have enough money for this fine? Well, then they must come to "court" (this could mean a conference with me, parents, administrators, etc--- depending on where the student is on the discipline ladder).
I have also used a reward system with younger middle school classes called "Strick's Picks". It works similarly, but is completely based on earning rewards rather than consequences.
For middle school students especially, it was important to keep them accountable for their actions. I kept records of behaviors in order to better assist both the student and parents in seeing where improvement(s) could be made. I kept a clipboard and could very quickly and easily jot down a date/code for an inappropriate behavior without interrupting instruction. This record was kept and could be shared with parents and administrators when/if the need arose.
Infractions could also be transferred to an individual student record weekly as well.
When parental involvement is needed, a conduct letter would be sent home.
When teaching with a team of teachers, we would sometimes send a team conduct notice rather than multiple notices coming from various teachers.
