By Dr. Faye J. Jones
This issue of NASET’s Classroom Management series was written by Dr. Faye Jones. The purpose of this article is to introduce SLANT, a behavior modification system used in many schools. It is an acronym for Sit Up, Listen, Ask Questions, Nod, and Track the Speaker. SLANT is designed to assist students in the use of positive body language in class. It encourages students to be attentive, active, and become productive learners. This system can be used in the general education and special education setting.
SLANT is an acronym for Sit Up, Listen, Ask/Answer Questions, Nod and Respond, Track the Speaker. SLANT began in a Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) school, founded by Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin, in Houston, Texas (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledge_Is_Power_Program).
SLANT is used to assist students in maximizing their learning in the classroom environment (Bridging Differences, 2013). This behavior management system is used in the Crescent City School System (CCSS) in New Orleans, Louisiana. This CCSS system includes three schools: Harriet Tubman (2012), Paul Habans (2013), both located in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans, and Akili (2014), located in the lower ninth ward. All three schools focus on preparing the student for high school, college, and beyond.
What does SLANT look like?
- Sit Up – both feet are flat on the floor, back straight, head up facing the speaker, and hands clasped on the desk.
- Listen – focus on the speaker.
- Ask/Answer Questions – ask meaningful questions.
- Nod and Respond – Nodding your head shows the teacher you understand the lesson
- Track the Speaker – Follow the speaker
- Along with SLANT, teachers at Paul Habans Charter School also manage student behaviors using a no nonsense four step system. All four steps must be followed in order to be effective. The steps are:
- Setting clear expectations – directions must be explicit and include MVP – Movement, Volume Level, and Participation.
- Narrating positive behavior – the teacher identifies students who are following their explicit directions and for those who aren’t, it gives them a chance to correct their behavior. This step isn’t considered praise.
- Giving consequences – for the student who isn’t following directions, a consequence is given. It shouldn’t be severe, but just a reminder for the student to follow directions.
- Restore the relationship – rebuild the relationship with the student. Teachers need to establish a good relationship.
Each classroom has school rules posted and all students are held accountable for these school wide expectations. The rules include:
- Respect each other with your words and actions
- Participate in class and bring your best energy
- Follow all directions the first time
- Respond to redirections appropriately
If a student is exhibiting difficult behavior there are procedures in place that can provide teachers with support. Every teacher is supplied with a cell phone to communicate with the Culture Team (behavior support staff) when needed. Hall duty or Refocusing Procedures are developmentally appropriate steps to get students back on track. This step usually lasts 2-4 minutes.
Not only is SLANT used with the general education population, but it is also used with students with disabilities. Just like general education students, students with disabilities are expected and required to follow SLANT procedures at Paul Habans.
As a teacher with 40 years of pedagogical experience, SLANT was a novel experience and I fought not to use it. However, I’ve discovered that we all can learn different and effective strategies in the workplace AND be successful.
In each classroom at Paul Habans you can hear teachers engaging in SLANT when needed. Does it work? A resounding, Yes! It defines and ensures appropriate classroom behavior and creates efficient learners. By utilizing SLANT in the classroom and other areas, it helps to keep the student alert and focused, improves student performance and will ensure that active learning is a priority.
Shout Outs To: Kate Mehok, CEO, Crescent City Schools
Elisabeth LaMotte-Mitchell, Principal, Paul Habans Charter School