Clinical Field Experience: Interviews on Behavior Expectations

Part 1

Interview a certified elementary or middle school teacher about the school's behavior expectations for students, the school's behavior management program, and how these expectations are shared and made visible across the campus and in the classroom.

Your interview questions should probe:

1. The type, number, and degree to which the expectations are stated in positive language and the rationales for these expectations
2. The forms and locations in which the expectations are posted on the school grounds and in the classroom
3. How expectations are initially taught, reinforced, and monitored schoolwide and at the classroom level
4. How students who enroll after the start of the year are taught the school's behavioral expectations
5. The teacher's reflections on the overall degree of effectiveness of his or her school's behavior-management program
6. The teacher's recommendations for changes to the school's behavior-management program based on personal experiences

Ask additional questions and follow-up questions as appropriate.

Part 2

Conduct research on a parent's expectations regarding classroom management and communication by interviewing a parent who has a child attending an elementary or middle school.

Your interview questions should probe:

1. How classroom and school-wide behavioral expectations are communicated to the parent.
2. The type and frequency of communications between the parent and the classroom teacher(s).
3. The type and frequency of communications between the parent and the school.
4. The parent's understanding of how his or her child is taught the school's behavioral expectations.
5. The parent's reflections on the overall degree of effectiveness of his or her school's behavior-management program.
6. The parent's recommendations for change to the school's behavior management program based on personal experiences.