Classroom Agreements
At Lakes International Language Academy (LILA), character is defined using a holistic approach that includes thoughts, feelings and behavior. Core ethical values develop in the classroom, as together teachers and students develop Acuerdos de la Clase (Classroom Agreements) at the beginning of each school year and discuss the motivation for creating and following them. All student input and opinions are respectfully considered before the essential agreements are finalized, signed by each student and posted in the classroom. Students discuss what each rule “looks like, sounds like, and feels like” in different situations. These discussions, which help to build community and develop self-motivation, carry on throughout the year in day-to-day interactions and relationships. Though the students set the agreements in the classroom, they abide by them on the playground, at school activities and in the hallways. Teachers and other staff help students talk through times when rules are broken. The question, “What kind of person do you want to be?” helps students reflect, refocus and begin contemplating the consequences of their actions. We find that the students themselves hold each other accountable to the Classroom Agreements.