Teach the class, not the problem.

Allie Spector gave spot-on advice in "Pay Attention!" by Janet Weeks (May, "Teach-Learn Connection"). She recommends focusing on ways to help "problem" students have a successful class. As with all of us, success includes:

* Having positive relationships with peers and adults, not destructive ones

* Knowing there are consistently expressed behavioral boundaries and expectations

* Being given opportunities to be recognized as successful

* Becoming competent by participating in challenging but doable, well-coached activities

In fact, many problem behaviors stem from these needs going unmet. Disruptive behavior may come from vague and inconsistently expressed behavioral standards, or students rarely feeling skilled or able at anything.

David Alexander 

Education Advisor

Boston Ballet--Center

for Dance Education

Boston, MA