How do your classroom rules measure up? Guidelines for developing an effective rule management routine

Headnote

Effective classroom management procedures promote independent learning and success for all students in classrooms that are productive, orderly, and pleasant. A classroom rule management routine-a systematic instructional process used by teachers to guide students toward successful rule compliance in the classroom, on the job, and in the community-should be part of every teacher's comprehensive classroom management system. This article presents guidelines for developing an effective rule management routine, including procedures for planning, teaching, and evaluating the effectiveness of classroom rules. Drawing on field-based observations and recommendations from current literature, the authors detail five specific steps for planning effective classroom rules and procedures.

Teachers who use effective classroom management procedures promote independent learning and success for their students in classrooms that are productive, orderly, and pleasant. Establishing specific routines for managing materials, time, instruction, and student behavior helps increase instructional time and student involvement in appropriate learning activities (Brophy & Good, 1986; Mercer & Mercer, 1993; Polloway & Patton, 1993). Although formal procedural routines have been developed to help special education teachers manage various elements of the classroom, few specific guidelines have been established for developing and implementing effective classroom rules. However, because of the unique learning and behavioral difficulties of students with disabilities, there is a critically important need for classroom rules and procedures that are clear, concise, and unambiguous.

This article describes guidelines to help special education teachers develop an effective classroom rule management routine that can serve as a systematic instructional process to guide students toward the selfdiscipline and cooperation necessary for successful performance in the classroom, on the job, and in community-related settings. Teachers who develop and implement effective rule management routines do not merely tell their students what the rules governing student behavior are but systematically teach their students how and why to follow them. These teachers deal with inappropriate behavior quickly and consistently without undermining the students' sense of dignity. Also, just as they monitor daily academic performance, these teachers continually monitor student behavior related to classroom rules and procedures.

An effective rule management routine should contain procedures for planning, teaching, and evaluating the effectiveness of classroom rules. During the planning phase, it is important to (a) create well-designed rules based on cooperative and productive learning behavior, (b) identify...