A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Audience Approved by PEP for regular classroom teachers in grades 1-9. Also intended for administrators, regional educational labs, state departments of education, and school staff developers who wish to design and deliver professional development workshops.

Description The Classroom Organization and Management Program (COMP) is intended to supplement other professional development activities and provides the necessary foundational management skills on which other academic and instructional programs must build. COMP provides teachers with management ideas and materials and involves them in activities directly relating these to classroom management. Program validated goals include improved student behavior and academic achievement.

The program has three focuses: planning, implementing, and maintaining classroom management skills. Training workshops (which either train teachers directly or train trainers to bring skills back to school systems) demonstrate models of a process that can be implemented in a school's own professional development program.

Workshops cover such elements as assessment and problem identification, research-based content presentations (using vignettes, case studies, films, and simulations), and formulation of implementation plans (with emphasis on teacher roles, responsibilities, and tasks).

Learning materials include two commercially published books (optional) and teacher manuals (required) which cover six modules: organizing the classroom, planning and teaching rules and procedures, managing student work, maintaining good student behavior, planning and organizing instruction, and conducting instruction and maintaining momentum.

Evidence of Effectiveness In evaluation studies, students who were in classes of teachers trained in the classroom management workshops made significantly higher gains on achievement tests than students in control group classes. Teachers who participated in training workshops used the effective practices to a greater extent, and students had significantly less off-task, less inappropriate and disruptive behavior, and had greater success in lessons.

Requirements All training must be conducted by certified trainers. Model 1 (Training of Teachers--9 to 25 participants) requires release time for a 3-day workshop (2 initial, 1 follow-up) and the assignment of a local coordinator to schedule visits to teachers' classrooms where follow-up and peer support is requested. Materials must also be purchased.

Model 2 (Training for Trainers--6 to 12 participants) requires prior training in Model 1, three consecutive days of release time for training, and practice with workshop materials. Materials must also be purchased.

Attendance of principals and other administrators at training sessions is highly desirable for both models.

Costs Training costs for Model 1 include materials ($35 per person for 12 to 30 participants), and trainer's fee (varies from $200 to $500 per day), travel, and lodging. Training costs for Model 2 include materials ($150 per person for 6 to 12 participants), and trainer's fee ($500 per day), travel, and lodging.

Services In addition to print materials, the program provides training for either teachers or trainers of teachers, plus follow-up training in subsequent years. Training can be scheduled in various locations to reduce costs. Awareness materials are available at no cost.

Contact

Carolyn M. Evertson or Alene H. Harris, Classroom Organization and Management Program, Box 541 Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203. (615) 322-8100. E-Mail: harris@ctrvax.vanderbilt.edu

Developmental Funding: National Institute of Education, Arkansas State Department of Education, contributions from local school districts, Greeley (Weld Co.), CO, Kentville (Kings Co.), Nova Scotia.
PEP No. 89-9 (5/11/89)

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[More Effective Schools/Teaching Project]