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process. The word that needs to be used here, but that is a politically correct firecracker, is tolerance. In this case, the staff cannot tolerate the violation of these standards. There can be no middle ground, because when you give up space, you end up losing more space. It has been said, if you give the students an inch, they will soon be a ruler. For the most part, that is where many schools across the country are right now.

Administration is afraid of parents' complaints, and maybe even lawsuits. Teachers feel that it is a waste of time; they have seemingly already given hope for having obedient students.

The only way to maintain the standard is to maintain the standard. That sounds too simple, and it actually is. Let's take a look at the possibilities here. If the staff takes time to brainstorm, and thoughtfully develop a set of necessary standards, and consequences for violations, then commits to giving a very reasonable amount of time for the process to succeed, they will discover some amazing results. Think about it, When a teacher is consistent over a long period of time in enforcing the rules, the number of violations decrease, and their work is also decreased because they can now concentrate on other things. This is always what will happen with if endurance wins. At the same time, if the administrators are being consistent in the consequences for the violations, their work will also decrease because the students are actually learning that boundaries are actually boundaries.

Once it is discovered that the process is successful, don't let up. There is absolutely no reason to let up. The students who are still violating the standards need to get harsher discipline. The ones who have learned can be complimented, and maybe even rewarded in the classroom in some way. Do not let up on the standard. As a matter of fact, this might be the best time to get together and develop ways to raise the standard. The students can get caught up in doing better. It is a good thing.

Without a doubt, developing a well thought out plan, making sure that the plan has enough time to prove itself appropriate, and being consistent in not tolerating violations, will create a solid standard that can be maintained, and even raised a notch from time to time. Anything less than absolute determination, will prove to be fatal to the school's plan to maintain the standard.

Learn more about this author, Ernest Smartt.
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