So you have ZONES up and running in your classroom.  However, you feel like it just isn't working????  Believe me, this has happened to me every year, sometimes several times, that I have implemented ZONES.  However, this is does not mean to just stop doing ZONES and quit.  You do need to take a step back to identify what isn't working, then you can determine why it isn't working and solutions to fix it!  Do not lose hope, all is not lost!

A framework issue
If you have identified the issue as an issue with the framework implementation here are a few suggestions that you can try.
*  BACK UP!  Try to "re"launch ZONES.  Make sure the students understand all expectations and have the stamina for all of the ZONES before they get the option of zone choice
*  Do one at a time as a whole group.  Have all students do MemoriZe for 20 minutes, then switch to all students doing Explore.  Students will still have the ZONES experiences but management will be easier and it will also identify which students may not have the stamina for independence in a certain zone.
*  Do two or three ZONES at a time instead of all 5.  Split the class in half or in thirds.  Have one group do MemoriZe (very independent), one group On Your Own (very independent), and one group Explore (less independent, more movement, more critical thinking, more materials).  Same reasoning as above.
* Take some choice back - students must remain in their assigned seats during ZONES or students will be told what zone they will do for the rotation. 

I have had to re-look at my ZONES implementation throughout my years of teaching using ZONES.  Depending on my class make-up, I have had to make these adjustments in order for students to be successful.  Sometimes I can release control back to full implementation, sometimes I need to keep the framework more structured and less dynamic.  The key is the balance of release and student success.  You want to choose a method of framework implementation that matches your teaching style as well as what your students need to succeed.

A student work issue
If ZONES is working for the majority of students but you still have a few students who are not successful, then it is time to dig into the data.  What do you know about the individual student?
*  Does the student work better in a more quiet, structured environment?  Assign this student a space to work - this can even be in the hallway if it is where he/she might be most successful.
*  Does the student struggle with attentiveness (either medically diagnosed or in general)?  Use proximity.  Place the student close to you so you can keep an eye on progress and attentiveness.  Pull them in small groups or conference with them more frequently.
*  Is the student distracting others?  Move the student to an assigned seat close to you so you can keep an eye on stamina and meeting expectations.  Also tell the student to reread the expectations before he/she begins each zone.  You also can pull in a small group more frequently.
*  Is the student unorganized and loses materials?  Make sure the student has the materials he/she needs for success like a folder or notebook.  Also, you can keep the materials with your teacher materials to ensure they are not misplaced.
*  Is the quality of work poor?  Check the data - is it because of effort or understanding?  Make sure to continue to conference or pull small groups to make sure you are reaching all students.

I have found data to be my best defense.  Students show more quality work and are more attentive to their work/activity if they know I am looking at it, they are held responsible for it, and it matters!!!  I can also use that data to meet each students needs so all students should have the ability to do the work and now the focus can be on the effort and attention.