North Bands

 

Classroom Management Plan

 

Students in band classes are expected to conduct their behavior in a manner which allows class time to be focused on the growth of the whole group.  Because there are large numbers of students in the band, it is a dynamic environment, where students must make the needs of the group take priority over their individual motives.  Our motto is, “WE first not ME first!”    We work as a team, and each band member is expected to make the team his/her priority while in class.  Therefore, a portion of each student’s grade in band will reflect each student’s ability to operate in this dynamic environment.  I call these skills, “Rehearsal Skills”.  Without them, learning cannot take place in large ensemble classes such as band and choir.

 

Criteria

 

The Rehearsal Skills portion of the grade will be figured by using the following criteria:

• The student is not disruptive in any way during the rehearsal.
• The student plays their instrument, counts their part, sings their part, or immediately does what the teacher asks of them each and every time.   We “just do what you know you need to do”.
• The student is prepared to rehearse.  They have a working reed, music folder, instrument, percussion mallets/sticks, and a pencil. I expect students to make it a personal priority to be prepared for band rehearsal.
• Students “mind their own business”.  In cases where students take it upon themselves to laugh at, mock, or create more disruption when the teacher redirects another, that student will receive a consequence for being disruptive. 

 

Determining the Rehearsal Skills Grade

 

Students begin each marking period with 50 Rehearsal Skills points.  Points are deducted for inappropriate behavior during the rehearsal.  Students keep the remaining points left at the end of the marking period.  The % of points left over out of 50 is the rehearsal skills grade that goes into the grade book.  This grade counts as 40% of the total marking period grade.

 

Records are kept.  Violations to the above criteria will follow the following steps:

1. Verbal Warning -2 points
2. Call home -3 points – removal from class
3. Written Discipline Referral to the Principal -5 points

 

All steps go back to step 1 at the beginning of each marking period, with the exception of Step 3.  Students at step 3 remain there for the remainder of the semester.  In addition, students who reach step 3 on a regular basis will be considered for removal from band.

 

I understand that children will make mistakes when learning how to keep track of their growing responsibilities.  I might keep a student at step 1 if I feel the situation does not warrant a call home and I am making progress on this issue.  It is my goal that North Band members take ownership of their mistakes and strive to learn how to be responsible and reliable.  Remember, they are in my class, you are not.  I will not be calling home every time your child is missing a reed, other supply or small issue. However, I will apply a consequence for them to solve their problem.  A call home should be regarded as your child has refused to take responsibility for the issue and that I need you to help them solve the issue.