-by Bryant Muldrew
Is behavior the core issue behind the inability to learn?
Recently I was graced with the opportunity to sit in an algebra class that uses an alternative curriculum style based on the National Algebra Project’s work. During my visit, the lead instructor, Jay Gillen, stopped the class’ group activities in order to correct a behavioral disruption that had occurred. His correction came in the form of engaging the students in a conversation about how to fix the behavioral issue which was identified when Mr. Gillen was giving individual attention to a student, but could not hear the student he was assisting. The method of dialogue as a solution to discrepancies between parties is an intriguing way of handling classroom behavior.
The instructors of this course are members of the Baltimore Algebra Project (BAP) and operate on the philosophy that discipline can be combated by focusing on instruction and if need be there should be a conversation about fixing an issue within the class. According to Chamir Lawson, one of the instructors, they desire to use democratic processes in the everyday function of their class. She further explains that it is good for the development of the students into full citizens. This philosophy also includes the belief that students should be the power in the class and the learning is under the control of the students as well.
The end goal of this practice is to reduce the typical power-struggle between students and teachers which is known for disrupting learning. It is well known that students have strong dispositions against authority. There are websites dedicated to teachers sharing ideas of dodging the power-struggle that occurs. The BAP’s practice and ideology is radical when compared to many other ideas.
Members of the BAP have been strong advocates against zero tolerance policies enacted in many school districts across the country. Experience shows that the zero tolerance discipline policy does not correct the behavior it was intended to combat. Through studying what is known as the school-to-prison pipeline (the educational and governmental policies that filter students from schools to prisons), it is known that policies such as zero tolerance is more likely to influence students not to participate further in their education. At the end of this article are links to other articles and studies about zero tolerance policies in schools.
So How Should Students Be Disciplined in Schools?
This is a pressing question in the minds of many educators. When asked the same question, Ms. Lawson said:
In the classroom the students have power. As far as discipline goes, students should have the power to control their classroom. This can be done by students establishing together how they want their learning environment to be and making demands on their fellow peers to correct unacceptable behavioral in a respectful manner. Of course this type of behavioral isn't learned overnight and very well may take years to fully establish with a group. It's changing students mindsets from looking solely on teachers and other adults who appear to be in charge and realizing they have the power to control their environment.
The other instructors, Jay Gillen and Antwain Jordan, had this to say:
Young people in high schools, supported by adults, must understand themselves as responsible for their own discipline individually and collectively. Practices of peer-discipline--student courts, peer mediation, peer counseling and mentoring--are crucial. And in addition, if students controlled more of educational practices so that school met their needs for respect and dignity, physical freedom, relevant curriculum, recreation, food, and so on, there would be many fewer instances of misbehavior in the first place.
Young adults are citizens of the country and must be allowed to exercise their rights to govern themselves. -Jay Gillen
We ignore them. We teach the ones who are ready to learn presently and either one of two things will happen. The students learning will make the demand on the ones not yearning to learn, or they’ll [the students not learning] get tired of everyone else around them learning besides them and will [follow] suit. -Antwain Jordan
These educators are saying that it is time to make a dramatic shift in the way discipline is handled inside of schools. Other educators must provide the necessary space for youth to govern themselves as the next generation of leaders. This begins in the classroom.
Zero Tolerance Policy in Schools
• Zero Tolerance and School Safety
• Are Zero Tolerance Policies Effective in Schools?
• Zero Tolerance and Alternative Strategies:A Fact Sheet for Educators and Policymakers
• AEJ Members Discuss Dismantling School to Prison Pipeline