There's an app for that

This new application of a very simplistic behavior management tool continues to push forth an approach that lacks a critical element in shaping positive behavior...it does not engage the children in the understanding of what is important. ClassDojo jumps on the tech bandwagon with glitz...student avatars, smart phone applications, cool graphics...which are fine...but promotes the view that classroom management is something we do TO kids as opposed to something we do WITH kids. Big difference.

STORY: Is ClassDojo A Teacher's Answer To Controlling The Class? (VIDEO) (PICTURES)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTr85T4D7yHfZmKqiVdC001ne74zgckwvvxrDlKcd8yCXA23S6SCQ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTr85T4D7yHfZmKqiVdC001ne74zgckwvvxrDlKcd8yCXA23S6SCQ" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> This new application of a very simplistic behavior management tool continues to push forth an approach that lacks a critical element in shaping positive behavior...it does not engage the children in the understanding of what is important. ClassDojo jumps on the tech bandwagon with glitz...student avatars, smart phone applications, cool graphics...which are fine...but promotes the view that classroom management is something we do <b>TO kids</b> as opposed to something we do <b>WITH kids</b>. Big difference.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/02/16/class-dojo-teachers-answer-making-pupils-behave_n_1281462.html?ref=education&ir=Education">Is ClassDojo A Teacher's Answer To Controlling The Class? (VIDEO) (PICTURES)</a>

Hold your water!

Coney Island PS 90 has a zero tolerance pee policy to be envied. Of all of the serious problems facing public education, 5th grade teacher Stephanie Warner has crystallized the key issue to student success…self bladder control! If only we could hold off on the impulse to use the bathroom at age 10 we could then be prepared for success in virtually every other endeavor. And what a novel use of token reinforcement…Ms. Warner allows children who can control their bladder needs and don’t use any of their “toilet tickets” the opportunity to trade in these tickets for prizes…like a discount at the local urologist!  BF Skinner would be so proud.

STORY: New York School's Strict Bathroom Policy Rewards Students For Holding It In, Outrages Parents

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://en.amerikanki.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/white-potty-training-review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://en.amerikanki.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/white-potty-training-review.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> Coney Island PS 90 has a zero tolerance pee policy to be envied. Of all of the serious problems facing public education, 5th grade teacher Stephanie Warner has crystallized the key issue to student success…self bladder control! If only we could hold off on the impulse to use the bathroom at age 10 we could then be prepared for success in virtually every other endeavor. And what a novel use of token reinforcement…Ms. Warner allows children who can control their bladder needs and don’t use any of their “toilet tickets” the opportunity to trade in these tickets for prizes…like a discount at the local urologist!  BF Skinner would be so proud.<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/18/new-york-schools-strict-b_n_1214363.html">New York School's Strict Bathroom Policy Rewards Students For Holding It In, Outrages Parents</a></div>