Chapter H - Student Behavior

Part 4.0 K-6 Student Discipline

Section 4.1 Card Charts

Policy Statement:

Card Charts

Teachers in grades K-6 should use the classroom card chart. Teachers should instruct students and parents on how this chart will be used.  Consistent use of the card chart will enable students to learn to control their behavior and facilitate their academic progress.

Students will each have 5 cards - one each of the following colors:  green, yellow, blue, red, and black. The goal is for students to "remain on green".  Students should be instructed to "move a card" when they have neglected to bring completed homework or needed supplies to class, or when they misbehave.  Reasons a student may be asked to move a card should be clearly outlined for the students.  The card system is not a discipline system as much as it is a "reminder" and "practice" system and should be used as such.  Teachers should never say in anger or frustration "PULL A CARD".  They should instead ask the student to MOVE a card in a gentle way, including the reason for the card move, confidentially if appropriate.

The card chart is essentially a self-governance tool.  Students should desire to "stay on green", thus become motivated to come prepared to school each day and to behave appropriately.  Teachers should work so that their students, as a whole, are able to "stay on green" most of the time.  Classroom rules should be made to provide for the realization of that goal.  A well-managed American Prep classroom will have very few students moving cards as the year progresses.

When a student is instructed to move a card, the teacher MUST use positive reinforcement of appropriate behaviors at a ratio of 3 reinforcements within 5 minutes of the card move.  These reinforcements must be specific (student name, positive behavior stated out loud) and connected with positive emotional tone (enthusiastic, motivating to the student).

An effective way to motivate students is to keep a record of "green days" for each student.  As students accrue a pre-determined number of "days on green", rewards may be given.   Consecutive green days should not be required for rewards as this acts as a disincentive for students who have to work diligently to earn green days.  Instead, as soon  as a student hits the target, for example ten green days, regardless of when this occurs, the student earns the reward thus motivating him/her to more consistent green day conduct.

Most behavior and academic challenges in grades K-6 should be handled utilizing the card chart.  Teachers must find time at the end of each day to mark the learning plan with the student's status for the day ("green", "yellow").  It is important that the color is recorded on the learning plan daily so that the parents have a daily communication regarding their students' behavior and performance status.  The reason for the move must also be written on the learning plan and can be represented by a numeral (see card chart for explanation of this).

When a student moves one or two cards in a day, this should be recorded on the learning plan so the teacher can be certain the parent is aware of the specific reasons for the card moves (as per their signature on the learning plan).  Any time a student moves more than two cards in one day (or goes to "red" status), the student must fill out a behavior form, and it should be attached to the learning plan.  If a student moves more than three cards (moves to "black") parents must be notified by a phone call from the teacher and a phone conference must be held.

Suggested consequences for card moves:

1st card - "on yellow" - 5 minutes of recess lost

2^nd card - "on blue" - 10 minutes of recess lost

3^rd card - "on red" - behavior form filled out, recess time lost, conference with teacher

4th card - "on black" - recess time lost, behavior form filled out, phone conference with parents and teacher notifying parent that one more card move will require the parent to assist their child for the remainder of the day

5th card - "past black" - student sent home, or parent intervention (that day)

In general, the classroom teacher should be the one who instructs their student to move a card.  If a teacher or instructor who is not the student's teacher witnesses behavior they believe warrants a card move, they should communicate that behavior to the teacher and allow the teacher to determine if a card move is the best option.

Groups teachers should not issue card moves for behavior issues.  They should report the behavior to the classroom teacher on the learning plan including a card move for un-preparedness.

Teachers in every grade should be familiar with the dress code and consistently enforce it in their classrooms.  Again, the teacher should be the only one to issue a card move to a student for a uniform infraction.  If another staff member notices a uniform infraction, they should mention it to the CLASSROOM TEACHER and allow them to handle it as there may be extenuating circumstances already worked out between the parent and the teacher of which the staff member may not be aware.