Behavior CODES Gradesheet for Secondary Teachers
I was explaining the CODES program--a clipboard/seating chart discipline strategy—when a secondary teacher voiced his concern about having to have five seating charts—one each for Monday through Friday--for six different classes.
Secondary Teacher: I'm not so sure I want to try to keep track of all of those different seating charts.
Good point. After all, if a strategy is not easy to use, it won't be. Used, that is. It will be abandoned and the teacher will fall back on what was being used before.
How about his idea: Don't use five seating charts for each class. Use just one grade sheet that has five columns labeled MON, TUE, WED, THU, FRI. (Write the dates in the space below the day headers so you can keep the separate weeks straight.)
Your paper load has not only been reduced by 80% but you'll also be able to quickly size up how an individual student is doing from one day to the next. That's because the marks will be recorded on one grade sheet as opposed to five separate seating charts.
The only downside to the grade sheet is that it's a bit more difficult to find a student's name. The beauty of the seating chart is that the student's location is visually consistent. That is, where you look in the room is where you look on the chart. It's a small thing but a big thing. Especially if you find yourself having to record a lot of marks. However, that's how it goes. There are always trade-offs. What you gain in paper handling is lost in the efficiency of recording.
Final recommendation? Try using a grade sheet instead of seating charts. See what you think. Maybe it be will better; maybe it won't. You'll never really know, though, unless you try it.
Behavior CODES Grade Sheet
1 page - 56KB
