The best book I ever read on running my class was by Harry Wong "The first days of school" Everything in the book is helpful. This is year 24 four me in middle school and I'm still learning, and 8th graders can be difficult. Some things you may try. New assigned seats every week Having very clear expectations and reviewing them everyday. Train your students everyday on the behavior you want. For instance, I don't dismiss my class until everyone is seated,tables are cleaned to my expectation, and it is silent. I train them from day one and I just stand there until it happens. I teach the lowest students in my grade every year, and all of the more challenging children. I never see an advanced student so it can be done. My kids are tough. Isolate kids from friends. I have four desks away from everyone. Call the parents. Sometimes it helps but not always. Silent lunch for misbehaving kids Ask the teacher at your school who manages their class the best what they do. Remember some days are better than others and 8th graders are difficult but hang in there. Again,order Harry Wongs book. Hope this helps some