I don't have much time right now, but I just wanted to post a quick note to say that I've been back at school 2 days now, and WBT is an unqualified success!!!!! My 2 most challenging periods are both comprised of 8th graders, and I'm well on my way to bringing them around. Yesterday, I had to pull out the individual practice routine because of one particular boy who is known as a chronic disrupter. What was really fabulous was when I gave him his practice card and a timer and asked him to practice for 2 minutes. Of course he refused, but I had already told him to see me after class, so I let him remain in his "alone" seat for the remainder of the period (only about 5 m left in class). When the bell rang and I dismissed them, I reminded him to stay back. I then told him he had 2 choices, he could take 2 minutes right then in the hall and practice, or he could choose to stay after school the next day and spend 30 minutes of detention with me. He folded instantly. While he was practicing and after, I made sure to "give him a talk", and let him know in no uncertain terms he wasn't making smart choices OR keeping me happy while he was calling out, and it was not going to continue. We will see what happens today, but I am feeling very confident because I know that no matter what these stinkers do, I have a WBT answer! 10 finger woos all around!!!

Wow, that is fantastic! We want all teachers to know that they can use our system however it seems best ... and while we suggest not using Practice Cards until much later, sometimes you may have to try what you did. Here is my only suggestion ... instead of giving the student the option of practicing for two minutes or 30 minutes of detention, you might have given the option of practice or 15 minutes of detention ... had he chosen the detention, that would give you the option, later in the semester, to increase detention in 5 minute increments until he folded ... we want to use as small a rewards and penalties as we can get away with ... because IT'S A LONG YEAR! Please keep us updated on this student ... let's see how your experiment works. But please delay starting the Purple Cards and then the Green Cards as long as possible! And don't even think about the Guff Counter.

Another good day! Well, "talker/disrupter" didn't bring back the signed practice note today (of course!), so after everyone else had "won" 2 minutes of begin HW/ quiet talk time, "talker/disrupter" had to sit in the back of the room practicing....it was so awesome, the rest of the kids recognize who the "stinkers" are and are already aligning against these few students. I know that it is WBT making the difference because one of my peers has the same group of students, is not using WBT (although I did share it with her), and her own words:woohoo: today were, "I hate that class." Granted, I have them 5th period, she has them 8th and there's not much worse than 8th graders during 8th period, but I know WBT is working....

Great progress! Now, here is the deal. The instant you have an opportunity to make positive contact with your problem kid, do so. As soon as he starts leaning in the right direction, in or out of class, give him some praise. Plan a short, positive conversation ... if nothing more, when there is no audience, say, "If there is anything I can help you with, in, or out of school. Let me know." For long term change, you have to build a relationship ... and it will be one of the most rewarding experiences you have as a teacher. Our challenging kids have to see that we are fundamentally on their side and will do anything it takes to help them succeed. In many cases, a stable classroom is the only lifeboat left for these students.

Sounds like you have had a couple of great days! Keep up all the great work!

I really suggest finding a way to give the class a point based on your challenging students positive behavior - while you want the class to be disappointed in his/her poor behavior, you also want to reward for the positive behaviors... just a thought. My most challenging kids still can't help but smile when they get a 10 finger woo!