The Shark Net: A discipline database

The Shark Net is a database, set up by the teacher, where students keep records of all discipline interactions, of leaving the room, and of outstanding work. It includes fields for first name, last name, date, block, problem code, comments by students, time out, and time in. At two-week intervals students filter their records to calculate class participation grades. The class participation grade counts 10 percent of the total class grade. Students with the highest-class participation grades are rewarded with special activities such as ice cream parties, cookouts, field trips, etc. Students are required to filter and print the report for progress reports, report cards, and any time a parent/teacher or student/teacher conference is planned. This activity helps the teacher keep an accurate discipline record and to maintain discipline with minimal effort. It also helps the students understand how to use a database.

A lesson plan for grades 6–8 Computer/Technology Skills and Guidance

By Calvin Evans

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Related topics

• Learn more about appropriate behaviors, classroom management, databases, guidance, self-awareness, and technology skills.

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Learning outcomes

The learner will use technology to access, analyze, interpret, synthesize, apply, and communicate discipline information. Therefore, by using the Shark Net database, students become proactive in monitoring and controlling their own behaviors, as well as acquiring and utilizing skills in database operation.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

20 minutes

Materials/resources

• How to log in to the Shark Net directions sheet
• Shark Net code sheet
• Student discipline behavior journal

Technology resources

• One computer with printer
• Microsoft Works

Pre-activities

Teacher will need to review Microsoft Works database basics

Activities

1. Teacher will need to create a database including the following fields: first name, last name, date, block, problem code, comments by students, time-out, time-in. In the header, the teacher will place his or her name and the name of this discipline record. Since we are the Shark Team, we call ours the Shark Net. In the footer the teacher will place the code key so it may be viewed any time a student prints a report.
2. Any time a student breaks a rule, must leave the classroom, or does outstanding work, the teacher indicates to the student the need to enter the net by saying “Net.” When giving an outstanding, the teacher would say “Outstanding net.”
3. When a student enters the net they type the following: first name, last name, date, block, code, and any comments he/she may have. If the student leaves the room he/she enters the net and includes time-out and time-in. Students are not allowed to respond out loud to the directions “Sign the net.” If the student desires to respond, it must be done in the comment field.
4. If a student enters the net twice in one period for a negative code (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7), he/she must pick up a student behavior journal sheet and go to another designated teacher’s classroom and fill out the sheet. After completing the sheet, the student may return.
5. If a student enters the net a third time in one period for a negative code, the student goes to the designated teacher’s room to finish the class period. At a designated time, the teaching team meets with the student to create an action plan to help the student function successfully in class. Also, the parent is notified of the problem and the plan.
6. At two-week intervals, students filter their records to calculate a class participation grade. Codes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 result in a 10 point reduction, code 2 does not affect the grade, while code 8 raises a grade 20 points. Each student starts with 100 points. The codes and what they stand for are as follows:

1. No homework
2. Bathroom
3. No effort
4. Talking without permission
5. Disrespect
6. Tardy
7. Other
8. Outstanding

Assessment

Students start each nine weeks with 100 points. Negative nets result in a 10 point reduction and outstanding nets result in a 20 point addition. Totals are calculated at the end of the nine weeks to determine class participation grades (no grades higher than 100 points are allowed). Class participation counts 10% toward final nine week grades. Also, filtered reports generated at progress report, conferences, and report card time count as classwork grades.