YA Novel: Troublemakers

The book chosen by our PLC group is titled Troublemakers: Lessons in Freedom from Young Children at School by Carla Shalaby. The reason we chose this book as a group is because we believe the book will provide insight into the motivations of adolescents that are deemed as "troublemakers" and in turn provide us with a better understanding of why students tend to act out. In middle school, it's very common for adolescents to begin to act out during class, and unfortunately, some teachers view those students as "troublemakers" and respond with punishment and a lack of concern for those students, instead of pursuing their reasons for acting out. Troublemakers encourages a teaching style that is disciplined by love and acceptance of one's students, as opposed to punishment for students who cause disruptions in school. This book will serve as a valuable educational tool for us as future educators.

Vermont Licensure: Standard 10

Standard 10: Leadership and Collaboration

Performance Criterion 10.1: Collaborate to Ensure Learning.

Performance Criterion 10.2: Advance the Profession.

Vermont Licensure: Standards 7-9

Performance Criterion 7.2: Knowledge of Learners.

Standard 8: Instructional Strategies

Performance Criterion 8.1: Accessibility to the Discipline.

Performance Criterion 8.2: Applying Knowledge in Meaningful Ways.

Standard 9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice

Performance Criterion 9.1: Continuous Professional Learning.

Performance Criterion 9.2:  Legal and Ethical Manner.

Vermont Licensure: Standards 4-7

Performance Criterion 4.2: Common Misconceptions.

Standard 5: Application of Content for Transferable Skills

Performance Criterion 5.1: Perspectives from Varied Disciplines.

Performance Criterion 5.2: Cross Disciplinary Skills.

Standard 6: Assessment

Performance Criterion 6.1: Multiple Methods of Assessment.

Performance Criterion 6.2: Analyzes a Student’s Work.

Standard 7: Planning for Instruction

Performance Criterion 7.1: Knowledge of Content Area.

Vermont Liscensure: Standards 1-4

Standard 1: Learner Development

Performance Criterion 1.1: Learning Theory.

Performance Criterion 1.2: Developmental Theory.

Standard 2: Learning Differences

Performance Criterion 2.1: Individual Differences.
Performance Criterion 2.2: Diverse Cultures & Communities.

Standard 3: Learning Environments

Performance Criterion 3.1: Active Engagement.

Performance Criterion 3.2: Positive Social Interaction.

Standard 4: Content Knowledge and Pedagogical Content Knowledge

Performance Criterion 4.1: Communicate Central Concepts.