Frequently+Asked+Questions


 * Frequently Asked Questions**
 * And Answers about the**
 * Westwood Elementary**
 * Assertive Discipline Policy**


 * Q: I have good discipline, do I have to follow the Assertive Discipline Policy?**


 * A:** Yes, if we all use the policy and consistently and fairly administer it, then our children will know what to expect; and we can work as a team to develop and maintain an excellent school climate that is conducive to teaching and learning.


 * Q: I have tried to contact a child's parents on numerous occasions and can't seem to make contact, can I still assign penalties?**


 * A:** Yes, but contacting the parent can make all the difference in effectively managing the child. Send a letter home (and be sure to get it translated if your parents are Hispanic). If you still get no response, then make arrangements with the principal to suspend the child pending a parent conference. This has a remarkable effect on contacts.


 * Q: What is the best way to deal with a parent when you call them to tell them their child has misbehaved?**


 * A:** Failure to communicate is the most common problem between parents and teachers. **//The most successful attitude should be one of requesting assistance in helping the child be successful in your class.//** Never contact a parent with an accusing tone that their child is bad... bad... bad; or they will be very defensive, and you will be unable to it reach the parent to enlist their support. If you wait until the situation gets out of control, you can guarantee that the child has already reported to the parent how unfair you are and the parent is likely to believe this. You should contact the parent as soon as you are having trouble, or it will be too late to change the undesirable behavior. Never tolerate a parent becoming abusive. In a very restrained and respectful tone explain that you will not cuss or become abusive and you expect the same cooperation or you will not be able to continue the conversation. You must control the situation; if the abusive language continues, recommend that they contact the principal and then hang up. The most important thing to convey to a parent is your concern that their child is successful; the majority of parents want this same thing. Compliment the parent for caring because you must always remember:
 * //Show me a parent who cares, and I'll show you a child who can behave and learn in your classroom.//**


 * Q: You say," in a very restrained and respectful..." Why should I control myself when the parent does not control him or herself?**


 * A:** The important point to remember is that you are the professional. You are used to dealing with frustrated and angry people. **//Do not, I repeat,//** **//do not//** take irate parents personally. A calm, cool and collected professional will almost always be able to calm the situation and will usually get a well deserved apology later.


 * Q: What should I do if I find two children engaged in aggressive physical action?**


 * A:** You should contact the office by intercom immediately and ask for the principal for an emergency. If you can break the fight up without endangering yourself, please do so. **//At no time should you endanger yourself attempting to break up a fight.//**


 * Q: What if I fail to fill out a referral when I send the child the office?**


 * A:** The administration will work with you in extraordinary situations; however, continued unwillingness to provide documentation constitutes neglect of duty.


 * Q: If a child is unruly in my classroom can I send her to the principal or another teacher or the library (or anywhere out of my general area) for my class hour without bothering with all those assertive discipline steps?**


 * A:** No student (or teacher) should fear for his safety or have his educational opportunities diminished by the misbehavior of another student. You may remove the student from your class by requesting an administrator and/or sending the student to a colleague who you have made arrangements with. **//HOWEVER, you are to follow up with the counselor and/or administrator AND the parent that same day to arrange for a resolution.//**


 * Q: A teacher with poor classroom management told me that it was obvious the principal didn't want to get referrals. I am worried about whether I can get support, what should I do?**


 * A:** At no time should you feel alone in the disciplinary procedures. It is the assumption of the administration that if you have the discretion to use every disciplinary consequence available to the administration then you should be able to effectively discipline your children yourself. After all, the students will behave for the principal; but that's not the point, the point is for the child to behave for you. So, part of your question is correct, the principal does not want to get referrals that you can handle; but she stands ready to take swift and decisive action when you cannot handle the situation.