I recently visited a school who uses the Make Your Day program. The rule and expectation are stated very simply, but clearly, and the students repeat them after saying the Pledge of Allegiance every day. I like how the rule pretty much covers everything. Here’s the one rule in their classroom:

Student names blurred out for privacy protection.

The website describes the program by saying, “No one has the right to interfere with the learning or safety of others. Do what is expected and do it the best that you can. This rule and these expectations summarize the philosophy of the Make Your Day program. It is based on the premise that every person within the school environment has the right to complete his or her responsibilities without interference from others. From a student’s point of view, this means that they can expect a physically and emotionally safe school environment that is enhanced by a focus on learning. The students are able to communicate directly with those persons who are interfering with their learning in order to effect a change. Students are encouraged to help each other by communicating politely with the other person when an interfering behavior occurs. From the teacher’s perspective, all behavioral interventions are couched in terms of interfering with another student’s rights or with the teacher’s right to instruct.”

After observing the program, it seems to work well for most students. There are always special cases where additional management arrangements need to be made, bot overall it was fine. Everyone knew exactly what was expected and the consequences that would come with their choices. In addition, I was impressed with how the program teaches kids to communicate their concerns.  It’s some extra work for teachers, but what management plan isn’t work?