1. Substitute Values for Rules
[Procedures are not rules: they are simply classroom habits. Procedures are highly
necessary and provide the structure necessary for smoothly beginning class,
transitioning from one activity to the next, and ending periods.]
Rules are an artificially contrived means of control. They communicate that students
are children who need externally imposed boundaries. They promote conflict with
authorities [as they are impersonally developed]. They are ineffective: the people
who follow the rules behave well without them; and those who break the rules are
not bound by them. Rules are negative management tools and disincentives that
focus upon everything that is wrong--[even possibly wrong]--and nothing that is good.
Values, on the other hand, are implanted through social interaction and are
developed over time through consistent mentoring and discussion. They focus upon
what students should do and encourage students to think of themselves as capable
problem-solvers who can apply truths in varying contexts. Values promote the
development of broad places of social agreement and moral consensus among
divergent populations.
Rules or values: which do you think is better?
Here are some things we have to understand in order to form a healthy, functional
community of like-minded people:
● Everyone is included [we can’t leave anyone behind]
● Every voice is legitimate [we have to listen to what other people say ​because they
belong​]
● Everyone has a unique gift to contribute to the community [identify your role; help
others identify their role]
● Learn how to work together as a team [the bigger the challenge, the more likely
you will need the aid of others to help you achieve your goal]
● All community values apply equally to every community member [teachers have a
special role: but they are a part of the community, not above the community]
Important Note
If you allow students to leave someone out of the community-building process, you
won’t build a healthy community; you’ll start the first clique.