A significant portion of our second day of the 2013-14 school year was spent establishing our Social Contract for the year. Students and staff met and discussed the expectations for the school year. Following is what was established:
Social Contract 2013-14
What does success look like?
Students who are accountable, engaged, and professional.
How can we create an environment that fosters success?
We want students who are curious and critical thinkers. As teachers we have developed engaging lessons and courses. As students we want you to solve problems jointly. Stay focused and on task.
How do we want to be treated by students?
It’s about mutual respect for teachers and students. That looks like cooperation, enthusiasm and involvement. Don’t be mean. We can’t talk about social contracts today and then gossip tomorrow.
We want solutions to problems, not complaint sessions.
How do we want students to treat other students?
We are all in this together. Have each others’ backs. Don’t be mean. Actively include each other.
How do we treat each other when there is conflict?
The community should talk to each other first. Teachers get involved later.
We are interested in fairness and mutual solution finding. We should work together. Don’t complain out of earshot. Talk to us.
It was a successful meeting and a great foundation to establishing a learning environment based in mutual respect.