CONSEQUENCES.

It seems to me that in our effort to have “no child left behind” we have gone astray. But I wonder your thoughts on the matter, you might not agree.

We correctly note that when we suspend a student, prison other legal actions, chances are higher that they will fail in life. From this we conclude that we should minimize these corrective actions when we can.

My theory is that this is not a good path. Seems to me that we all need consequences tied to actions as a way of shaping behavior. And failing to have consequences early on, allow behaviors to become progressively worse.

That said, it seems we should have (1) certain, (2) compelling, but (3) temporary consequences, so one can learn. It also seems that our lack of rigorous enforcement of consequences on a few, has significant impact on many within those same classrooms.

So as I imagine it, we would have rigorously enforced, quick response, quick relief consequences.

But you are living it, in a Baltimore public school, and I am not. Tell me what you think:

We both know suspension damages education, so it is best avoided. What if instead of this we had a “bootcamp” school. The cost per student per day is probably 4x the cost for a normal class. The students have therapists on staff, and strong physical controls with pretty limited interaction with other students. No TV, no 2-way Internet. Significant physical chores each day, as well as their daily lessons captured via smartphone from their classroom.

My idea is that this place would be LESS FUN than most any other life choices, and so it would be avoided at all costs. Any student that repeatedly ended up in this spot, likely has strong enough emotional problems, that they inadvertently end up there. So those students need specialized theraputic help.

In my imagination, have such a “low-damage, quick fix” at your fingertips would be transformative in your classroom. You would just say: ``billy, sit down now and be quiet, or you will spend 1/2 hour after class on extra homework.’’ …. he knows from experience if he does not stay after for his extra homework, he will spend a week in bootcamp. He knows this with CERTAINTY, that this will be his consequence. Its just 1/2 hour, but if he does not do his 1/2, then his WHOLE NEXT WEEK will be no fun at all.

How many times do you think he will need to learn this lesson? Many others will learn of this CONSEQUENCE by just watching what happened to Billy.

So I know the purpose of your post was very much a heart felt quandry about very real choices you are forced to make. Sorry for high-jacking your post to ask this question. But you are the right one to ask.

Would it work? Would it be good? Would it transform your classrooms?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

— dan