Discipline in the Secondary Classroom with DVD 2nd (second) edition Text Only

by Randall S. Sprick

Must have for teachers

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Textbooks

Paperback

First published September 30, 1985

About the author

Also credited as Randy Sprick

Reviews

[Heather Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides a step-by-step process for designing a behavior management plan that not only prevents misbehavior, but also increases student motivation. Sprick begins by outlining key concepts teachers need to know in order to manage behavior, then offers suggestions on how to design instruction and evaluation, prepare routines and establish expected behavior, show students your high expectations for them, respond to student misbehavior, increase students’ motivation for success, prepare for your first day, how to monitor and adjust your plan throughout the year, and how to deal with chronic misbehavior.
This book contains practical information that I intend to utilize in my future teaching career. Some instructions I found particularly helpful include: the importance of structuring independent work after teacher-directed activities, the pros and cons of different student desk configurations, the importance of developing a signal to attract student attention early on, and establishing routines for daily activities (attendance, tardy, absences, late work, etc). Perhaps the most important lesson this book provided me was how to establish expectations for a given task and how to communicate those expectations to students using the CHAMP and ACHIEVE models. I think reading this book has made me a better teacher and I wish I had read it before I started student teaching.

[Laura LeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for an online class I took to maintain my teaching certificate, this book offers an enormous amount of resources on the CD/DVD that comes with the text, as well as a step by step, task oriented approach to creating the classroom management system that will work for you. It is not a cookie cutter approach, but provides research based methods and explanations for how following the step by step guide will help you to create a classroom environment in which students can be successful both academically and behaviorally and that you can teach in according to your own style. Student teachers, new teachers, and veteran teachers can all gain something from this text and trying the ideas included.

My only drawback and reason for not giving five stars is that it assumes a traditional teaching environment. Having taken other courses, especially one on Flipped Learning, some things in the newer methodologies and approaches, especially in the 21st century technological world we live in, some suggestions and ideas offered in this text, would not work well in that sort of environment.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Re-iterates many of the strategies that work: backward design, clear and stated objectives, regular and timely feedback, continuous classroom monitoring, relationships with students, etc. I don't think I will ever embrace the administrative tedium of rewarding behavior or participation points.

[Shylah Kobal · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5) Great, practical resource with concrete ideas that can actually be implemented in the classroom.
I would just like a less convoluted approach to chronic misbehaviors. Still processing that chapter.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely think this is a teacher book I will keep for reference. Some useful reminders, visuals, acronyms, and more, especially during moments of struggle during the school year.

[Jeremy Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sprick outlines a comprehensive, in-depth program for time management, discipline, and grading in the High School classroom.

[Carola · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not just claiming it is, but actually offers many strategies, somewhat like a managing course (e.g. how to intervene in chronic misbehavior; make sure you count the amount of misbehaviour by creating a latency chart and such.) very useful, some really concrete plans rather than just saying 'identify the target behaviour'. Agree with what someone else stated that this book doesn't just describe the concept of discipline.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a chance to take a college class that uses this book as a text, take the class. I wish I'd had this as a class in college. I'm planning to use the templates in this book to help me plan and prepare my first day materials. I can't wait to have a chance to use this before next year so I can really get into it.

[Pernia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very thorough resource for classroom management. I have been teaching for 15 years, and I do a lot of what is outlined in these pages, but not everything. It was helpful as I transition from middle to high school teaching to use this as a refresher. I received it as a gift from the new district where I will be teaching.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sending it back. Good for a reference, but not a page turner. Have to check it out again a few months in to the year and see how it changes what I'm doing.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had some challenging classes, and was searching for help. This book gave me lots of concrete, rather than simply conceptual, help. I think it's a good resource book.

[Navasota ISD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Available for checkout at NELC

[Dana Berglund · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful, logical classroom management book.

[Emily Sorrells · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will be a fabulous tool next year!