Shared responsibility requires giving students the information, choices, and structure they need to regulate their behaviors. Once students get used to sharing responsibility for one policy, they're better prepared to accept it for another, like procedures for starting class.

Shared responsibility is an important part of the learning experience for students, helping them to feel like they’re part of the classroom and empowering them to take on more responsibility. Students feel capable when they have a sense of power and control over their learning environment and are making a contribution to the overall effectiveness and success in their classroom.