ABSTRACT
Often justice is viewed as treating everyone the same. Classroom justice, however, has more to do with recognizing the individuality of students and interacting with them from that perspective. This characterization of justice is fundamental to successful classroom management because knowing what works for students individually is ultimately what works for the classroom. Some students need a little prodding, a few extra minutes, or a few more smiles throughout the day to do what is expected. Striving for across-the-board “fairness” only leads to frustration and stunted learning. Teaching and learning is far more valuable when the classroom atmosphere enhances individual potential. Also see Fairness. Individual justice
At the start of the year, have students fill out a profile that asks them biographical information, such as nicknames, hobbies, fears, and favorite movie, book, and childhood memory. When profiles are completed, celebrate those “inequalities” that make each student exceptional—at that time and throughout the year. Justice, the kind students need, will emerge. You might hear the ring of justice when that child who needed the nudge thanks you at the end of the year for all the extra things you did just for her.
—Amy Dyer Moore, Lead Instructional Coach, Harshman Magnet Middle School, Indianapolis, Indiana