Wondering About Wanderers

NEA Today, Nov 2004 by Mitchell, Shelley

We have a large problem at our high school with students roaming the halls during classes. They have passes, but each teacher's policy is different-some are strict, others are not. Any advice?

SHELLEY MITCHELL

Biology teacher, Stillwater, Oklahoma

ANSWER: My school requires students to have planner books. I include a hall pass section. Students must have their planner to leave class. You can instantly see if students are abusing the privilege since the hall pass includes the date, time, and reason. The planners have greatly limited the number of wanderers!

CHRIS MCCORMICK

Student activities director and math teacher, Wheatland, California

ANSWER: I require students who leave (except for an emergency) to make up the time during recess or after school. Students return their passes to me and I throw them away when they make up their time. The result: Very few ask to leave, and those who do really need to go.

VIRGINIA COLEMAN

Sixth-grade teacher, Parker, Arizona