Building Bridges

Research shows that discipline problems are prevalent in public schools and continue to be one of the greatest challenges in education. In Building Bridges, author Dr. Don Parker shows educators how to address this issue head-on. He shares an array of evidence-based strategies to build student-teacher relationships and create a welcoming learning environment that fosters student engagement, motivation, and achievement.

Support students at risk by creating a positive school culture and building trust:


Consider the student behaviors, characteristics, and experiences that are typically barriers to success in school.

Learn how and why punitive punishments and zero-tolerance policies have failed to curb poor behavior in schools.

Understand the importance of student-teacher relationships and the ways in which trust and positive relationships improve student behavior.

Develop your ability to build positive student-teacher relationships through educational techniques, classroom management strategies, and teaching methods.

Study the research that supports the many academic and social benefits of student-teacher relationships.

Examine the ways in which school culture and climate affect the behavior of students and classroom engagement.






Contents:


Foreword


Introduction


Chapter 1: Develop the Mindset


Chapter 2: Show That You Care


Chapter 3: Establish a Culture for Learning


Chapter 4: Don't Take Bad Behavior Personally


Chapter 5: Create an Effective Classroom Management Plan


Chapter 6: Connect Through Content


Chapter 7: Use the Back Door


Chapter 8: Take an Ecological Approach


Chapter 9: Develop Empathy


Chapter 10: Teach Life Skills and Give Students Hope


Chapter 11: Build Students' Self-Esteem


Chapter 12: Get to the Root of the Problem


Chapter 13: Communicate With Your Heart


Chapter 14: Open Up


Chapter 15: Seal the Bond and Provide Effective Feedback


Epilogue


References and Resources


Index