Class Standards

Standards for class behavior are developed during the first week of school. The teacher brainstorms a list of behaviors that foster the principles of collaborative learning and build high performance learning teams with the students. One of the most efficient ways to develop class standards is to use a T-Chart. The power of class standards comes from routine use. Once they are developed and clearly posted in the classroom, they can be referred to on a regular basis.

The T-Chart is a graphic organizer that allows students to describe what a specific standard looks like, sounds like, and feels like. When T-Charts are completed, they are displayed as visual reminders of the desired behaviors. Often T-Charts are useful as a way to reflect on desired behaviors. Reflecting on class standards throughout the year, such as after a long break, after a substitute, or after a particularly challenging day or week, can help to reinforce desired behaviors.  Below is a sample T-Chart for a Class Standard.

*Click on the Resources tab to view and utilize a blank T-Chart as well as a sample lesson for Introducing Class Standards.