Positive School Climate

Where does it begin?

Positive School Climate

The Heart of the Matter

When confronted with student disruption, do we seek judgment or do we seek to intervene?

Teaching students to be productive citizens of the world by molding and shaping behavior and character through detention and in-school suspension.

OR....

Teaching students to be productive citizens of the world by molding and shaping behavior and character through explicit instruction, positive relationships, and thoughtful intervention.

3 PILLARS of Conduct

RESPECTRESPONSIBILITYRESILIENCE

Why the 3 Pillars?

• Common Point of Reference

• Shared Vision

• Consistency

• Unity

• Direction

• Purpose

Why Do This?

If we shift our thinking from “control and power” to intervention and instruction, we can focus on promoting strategies designed

to develop

QUALITIES OF ADULT MATURITY

12 Qualities of Adult Maturity

Delayed gratification - “Id like this right now, but I can wait.”

Adaptation – “I don't like it, but I am going to find a way to make it work.”

Personal Responsibility - “What do I need to do and what's my part in all of this?”

Empathy - “I wonder how I would feel if I looked at this from another person's perspective?”

Initiative

Independence Insight – (self reflection)

Relationships Creativity Humor Sense of morality Discernment

Thoughts

If we expect students to show responsibility, they must be given opportunities to be responsible.

Promoting Opportunities

School Store Exploration/Extension

Activities and Classes Study Hall “Lounge” “Give and take”

policies 9th grade Advisory Assembly schedule

“Fun” Activities

Emphasize Positive Student Performance

Improved GPA's

Improved Attendance

Improved Behavioral Performance

By class? By individual?

RAK – random, above-expectation acts of kindness or courtesy

“On A Roll”

Student of the Month

Class Competitions

Thoughts

Our students will not care what you know until they know that you care...

We are very good at speaking, but are we as adept at listening?

Strive to learn every student by name, greet them, and take time to get to know them.

Remember, “because I said so” no longer holds any weight. There have been too many failed role models in their lives.

The Challenge

Rapidly growing trend:

Peer culture and family values resist the values of learning and education.

We are engaged in a serious conflict of values.