Just took over a class mid-year that is severely lacking discipline - how to take control?

I just started working at a new school, in a long-term position teaching 10th graders. Unfortunately, the class I just took over has had numerous 'disruptions' this year. These included the original teacher quitting in the first 2 days, and the effects of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Some of my kids are ';Katrina Kids';, that is they have moved to this school recently. They have been through about four or five 'subs' this year. These kids range from special needs (a disproportionate amount in my classes) to gifted.





I have been told that if I can control these classes, I can handle any class in any school, ever. That should indicate the challenge I have before me. These kids have had very little discipline in this class, and have had very little incentive to do any work. They think that I'll leave too, and feel they don't have to cooperate.





I've tried hard-line, I've tried games, etc. I can't seem to settle them down. Any tips from experienced educators?Just took over a class mid-year that is severely lacking discipline - how to take control?
Congratulations to you, and a hearty cheer for taking on such a challenging task.





I arrived mid year once to teach 8th grade English and History. The situation was not as...degenerated as you describe, but it was tough for both sides.





I think others have given valuable advice. These kids need structure and enforcement of rules, whether they know it or not. Make your rules fair and apply them equitably and you should have some success.





I do disagree with the idea of using a Homework pass as a reward. Don't we assign homework because of it's value to learning? Letting a student earn the privilege not to do an assignment completely dilutes its educational value to the students left doing it. Other rewards are certainly useful, though. Stickers actually work to motivate a lot of kids. Even though they're in 10th grade, they'd still like to bring home a ';refrigerator paper'; to show mom and dad (or whoever's at home).





I think you also need to acknowledge out loud the things many of these kids have gone through outside of school, as well as the turmoil they have faced in school with this course. Lay out your rules early and often. Follow through with disciplinary action, but be a nice, reasonable person. Find out what the school administration would consider success for this course this year, tell the kids, then go for it.





Best wishes.Just took over a class mid-year that is severely lacking discipline - how to take control?
Set clear rules with definite consequences and CONSISTENTLY enforce them (when possible take away sports practice/games, field trips, etc). Also establish a reward system for good behavior (such as a ';get out of homework free'; pass) and be consistent with that, too.





Mostly, be real with these kids -- at their age they understand more than most adults give them credit for. You don't say what subject you teach -- that might help people give you more specific suggestions to break through their adolescent arrogance. But NEVER let them see you sweat! GOOD LUCK!
I am not an experienced educator, but my recommendation would be to give prizes to kids that to well.
Having been in the same boat I can truly relate! Okay here's the list:


1) Start your class with 2 questions that you KNOW they will HAVE to answer yes to. Like- Are you a sophomore (or 10th grader)? and Do you attend (insert the name of the school)? (In other words, have them say ';yes';, ';yes'; immediately.)





2) Begin in a friendly way.





3) Show them respect by calling them by Mr. or Miss ____.


(Using the please, thank you, your welcome too.)





4) Tell them that you believe in them and you KNOW that they are hard workers.





5) Remind them that they will be seniors soon and they need to academically prepare themselves for it.





6) Then throw down a challenge. Something like, ';Each one of you are hard workers. In fact, I imagine that each one of you could read a book every two weeks and write me a fantastic summation of what you read. Now, SHOW me that you can.';





Give these things a try, you may be surprised with the results. Let us know how it goes.
Congratulations and good luck. I think the key is to find out what the students want out of the class. Do a lot of work preparing them for goal-setting, then let them set their own goals, based on the curriculum. When they feel a sense of ownership about their education, they'll have taken a big step forward. You`ll become their supporter, not their driver.
Earn their respect and let them know that you love and care about them and that YOU are going to be there for them and you're not going anywhere. Follow through. Be consistent.
bring in a 2x4 and whack them when they speak or move.
Show a mean side and have consequences.
There are already a lot of great tips here, but don't forget about the simple things. If they're concentrating in class and do well, don't give them homework. They will come to see the structure in that and will (in the long run, be patient) put an effort in to avoid homework. It might be unusual, but I promise that it works.