It works because people in the system feel that they're responsible for making it work, not just the teacher, but the kids, too. They walk through the doors in the morning and we care about them. It's important to show them that, too. It is the beginning of the intelligent mind to know, for example, what language is appropriate here, what dress is appropriate here, what behavior is appropriate here. That is really the beginning of an intelligent mind, this ability to discriminate different rules in different places.
Someone has to make a connection with that student.
Ironically, my greatest connections are with the kids that require the most discipline. It's probably more important to have a relationship with those kids than with some of the other kids who have other supportive relationships outside of school. It's important to show them that, too. Fall 1999 Vol. D emocratic citizenship means responsibilities as well as rights.