Research shows that discipline problems are prevalent in public schools and continue to be one of the greatest challenges in education. In
Building Bridges
, author Dr. Don Parker shows educators how to address this issue head-on. He shares an array of evidence-based strategies to build teacher-student relationships and create a welcoming learning environment that fosters student engagement, motivation, and achievement.
Support students at risk by creating a positive school culture and building trust:
Consider the student behaviors, characteristics, and experiences that are typically barriers to success in school.
Learn how and why punitive punishments and zero-tolerance policies have failed to curb poor behavior in schools or provide adequate interventions for struggling students.
Understand the importance of teacher-student relationships in teaching students at risk and the ways in which trust and positive relationships improve student behavior.
Develop your ability to build positive teacher-student relationships through educational techniques, classroom management strategies, and teaching methods.
Study the research that supports the many academic and social benefits of positive teacher-student relationships when teaching students at risk.
Examine the ways in which school culture and climate affect the behavior of students and classroom engagement.
Contents:
Foreword
Introduction
Chapter 1: Develop the Mindset
Chapter 2: Show That You Care
Chapter 3: Establish a Culture for Learning
Chapter 4: Don't Take Bad Behavior Personally
Chapter 5: Create an Effective Classroom Management Plan
Chapter 6: Connect Through Content
Chapter 7: Use the Back Door
Chapter 8: Take an Ecological Approach
Chapter 9: Develop Empathy
Chapter 10: Teach Life Skills and Give Students Hope
Chapter 11: Build Students' Self-Esteem
Chapter 12: Get to the Root of the Problem
Chapter 13: Communicate With Your Heart
Chapter 14: Open Up
Chapter 15: Seal the Bond and Provide Effective Feedback
Epilogue
References and Resources
Index