Responsible Thinking Process
Eagle Elementary School
Responsible Thinking Process (RTP)
What is the purpose of Eagle’s Responsible Thinking Process?
The purpose of Eagle’s Responsible Thinking Process is to create a safe environment, conducive to learning, free from disruptive behavior, where students develop the ability to become self-disciplined.
What is the basis of RTP?
RTP is based on the Perceptual Control Theory and the book, Discipline for Home and School (available in the school office) by Edward E. Ford. Simply stated, the Perceptual Control Theory says, “Human beings act when they are trying to control their perceptions of the world to make it conform to internally set goals” (Ford 1997). In other words we change our actions only when we see a difference between our present situation and what we want.
What is the Responsible Thinking Process?
The goal of this process is to help children to think in such a way that their actions demonstrate respect for the rights, safety, and learning of others. In many instances people do things to get what they want but often pay little attention to whom it hurts or what may happen as a result of their actions. By asking the children a series of questions, they are taught to think responsibly about what they have done and the choices they have made. Through the questioning process children are not being told how to act, but instead are being taught to think. RTP is not based on rewards and punishments because that places the responsibility of actions on the shoulders of the person in authority instead of on the shoulders of the child, where it belongs. Mutual respect is fostered through the questioning process. Children learn, with assistance, how to make a plan to help them deal with future situations. Confidence is built when students make their own choices to obey the rules, and by doing that, experience success.
What happens when children choose to break a rule?
Eagle Elementary has one “Golden Rule” from which all other rules stem: We will respect the learning, safety and rights of others. When a children choose to break a rule they are asked a series of key questions in a calm and curious tone:
What are you doing?
What are the rules?
What happens when you break a rule?
Is that what you want to have happen?
What would you rather have happen?
Is what I am doing getting me what I want?
Are you willing to make things better?
What is your plan?
What will happen if you break the rule again?
In many cases the questioning process alone will help students to get back on task. If children avoid answering a question, it is repeated. If they persist in not dealing with the situation or if they disrupt again, they children have chosen not to follow the rules and have chosen to go to a more restrictive area. At this time the teacher says:
What are you doing?
What did you say would happen the next time you broke the rule?
I see you have chosen to leave.
Once these statements are made, children must leave immediately and go to the Responsible Thinking Area.
What happens when students choose to go the Responsible Thinking Area?
The RTA is a place where children are taught how to think for themselves, deal with their problems through effective plan making and develop self-discipline. At first, students may perceive this room as punitive, like a detention room. However, they quickly learn that this is a place where they are treated with respect. They see it as a place where others care about them and want to see them succeed. Students are asked to sit at a desk and are not allowed to talk or disturb others. Students may study, work on a plan, read, or rest. They remain in the RTA until their plan is finished. Children are responsible for class work missed while they are in the RTA.
What is a plan?
When children are committed to solving their problem, they write a plan. The children ultimately have to learn to resolve conflicts in their lives. Using questions, the plan guides students through a thinking process designed to enable them to take responsibility for their actions, understand the results of those actions, and to achieve their goals without disrupting others. The RTA Supervisors assist the children in constructing plans.
When do students return to class from the RTA?
Students who choose to go to the RTA remain there for the duration of the class where they were having difficulty, or until they have finished their plan. For example, when students are having difficulty following the rules during music, they go to the RTA for the remainder of music class, but will return to their regular class when music is over. However, they may not return to music until they have written a plan and negotiated, at an appropriate time, with the music teacher. This way students remain in classes where they are experiencing success.
What happens when students break the rules in the RTA?
Students who refuse to follow the rules in the RTA are asked the same questions. If they fail to cooperate and follow the rules, parents are called and are asked to come to the school and visit with the principal or counselor.
What is the parent’s role in the Responsible Thinking Process?
It is important that parents understand the theory behind the program, mechanics of the program, and that it is a process. Many students are accustomed to being told what to do and, at first will find the thinking process difficult and uncomfortable. In addition, many adults are used to “telling” rather than using questions to stimulate problem solving in children. Therefore, proficiency in the responsible thinking program requires a learning process for teachers, parents, and students. Parents can learn more about RTP by reading the book, Discipline for Home and School, by Edward E. Ford. Parent support and understanding of the program is vital to its success and ultimately to the success of the students.
How can I get more information?
Contact your child’s teacher, the principal (781-2210), and school counselor (781-2210). Books and videos are available through either the principal’s office or counselor’s office. You may also visit the RTP Website at www.responsiblethinking.com.
District 145 Public Schools
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Educational Service Unit #6, Milford, Nebraska
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