The Credit System: How to Prevent, Control and Eliminate Classroom Discipline Problems (1)

Why did you become a teacher? Because you love kids, because you want to pass on knowledge to future generations? For whatever the reason the sad truth is that without classroom control no true learning will take place. Many teachers will quit the classroom for one major reason, student misbehavior and the disruption it causes.If the teacher cannot deal with and overcome classroom discipline problems sadly the chances are he or she will be leaving the classroom behind. But don't give up! Please read on.And so, in my junior high school science class, behavior and discipline problems started to pop up. Well, I have this idea, that if you have a problem , and if think hard and long about it you will come up with a solution. And I did. A "new" way, a "new" approach to handling student misbehavior. I introduced these ideas in my classroom. gradually experimenting, somethings worked some didn't. I worked with some of my colleagues. It was a fun time coming up with all sorts of ways to overcome behavior problems all based on my basic idea. Science teachers love to try things out and experiment going in different directions.So in my book, I write about this plan, a "system" if you will, to help teachers . And I really want to help. I read about "failed" schools, and teachers getting little or no support or respect from the school administration, teachers going to work hating their job. teachers quitting. Sorry, this is no way to live. Teachers are smart , college-educated, good people who really want to contribute their knowledge to society. They just want a chance to do their job.I used the System in my class for many years. Others tried my ideas in their classroom as well. Here is what one teacher in the Baldwin School System wrote me, "The Credit System is a wonderful, effective way to deal with managing student behavior; students are highly motivated to improve their work and study habits. A great way to gain control and solve discipline problems." A. SheehanMy principal, who was familiar with my System, encouraged me to attend a seminar of district guidance counselors, and presenting my ideas to them, They were excited by my "new" way of approaching classroom discipline and they encouraged me to write a book about it so others might benefit. Thanks to Mr, Albert Schwartz, Supervisor of Guidance, District 22 (Brooklyn) for inviting me to this seminar and fully supporting me on the idea of putting my "System" down on paper. (several letters to me from Mr. Schwartz appear in my book.)I've had my say. It's now up to you to make a decision. Whatever you do. Whether you buy my book or not. I want to thank you for becoming a teacher, a truly great, but underappreciated, profession. Wishing you the best and good luck. - Art Kaplan

Art Kaplan is a retired veteran teacher who taught Science at the junior high school level in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from Brooklyn College with a BA in Geology and a MA in Education.