At the end of every school year we post a report card for teachers.
The purpose is to assess the extent you were able to follow the principles of Smart Classroom Management. The exercise takes just a few minutes, but the experience is invaluable.
Because it provides a clear picture of where you need to improve.
The way it works is that you’ll rate yourself on a scale of one to five—five being best—for each of 15 core SCM principles.
2024-25 SCM Report Card
1. I consistently followed my classroom management plan ____
2. I enforced consequences calmly and objectively (like a referee) ____
3. I refrained from all forms of intimidation, including yelling, scolding, glaring, and lecturing ____
4. I built strong rapport with my class through my consistent kindness and pleasant personality ____
5. I praised my students only for work, effort, and performance that was truly worthy of it ____
6. I eschewed external rewards in favor of intrinsic motivation ____
7. I taught routines thoroughly and held my class accountable for performing them with excellence ____
8. I had a positive, influential relationship with my most challenging students ____
9. I was dependably able to get my class to listen attentively and follow my directions ____
10. I taught compelling lessons and then shifted responsibility over to my students ____
11. I allowed my class to work independently with the least amount of interference from me ____
12. I prepared efficiently and had ample time to spend with my family and the hobbies I enjoy ____
13. I experienced a minimal amount of stress throughout the school year ____
14. I had fun and enjoyed my students every day ____
15. I created a peaceful, happy classroom my students loved being part of ____
What is Your Rank?
If you wish, you can add up your final numbers to earn an SCM belt rank.
15-30 – white belt
30-45 – blue belt
45-60 – brown belt
60-70 – black belt
70-75 – red belt
Black belt is excellent and a wonderful goal.
However, I added the rank of red belt because it represents a jump in performance to a level of control and virtuosity that can feel as if you’re conducting the New York Philharmonic.
In other words, whatever classroom management excellence you can imagine, you’re able to make happen right in front of you. The good news is that it’s doable for anyone.
The key is to start strong from the very first day of school.
PS – Leave a comment below and let us know your SCM belt rank.
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