POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION AT NORTHERN MIDDLE SCHOOL
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| Northern Middle School bus drivers attended a summit to learn the positive expectations approach to behavior. |
The KYCID leadership team analyzes discipline data monthly for both the school and the bus. After establishing schoolwide expectations and developing a systematic approach to teaching these behavior expectations, the school saw an improvement in student behavior at school. “Students want to do well in school and parents want their children to do well. Students will rise to meet our expectations both academically and behaviorally. We have very high standards for our students and we are intentional to teach to these expectations,” stated Principal, Angela Murphy and Assistant Principal, Shelly Hargis. The school was concerned about the high number of referrals for poor student behavior on the bus. So, at the beginning of this school year, the KYCID leadership team at Northern added expectations for bus behavior and taught these expectations to the students. Bus drivers for Northern Middle participated in a “Bus Driver Summit” to gain a better understanding of the KYCID action plan and to share ideas with each other and with school staff and improving student behavior on the school bus. “I was very impressed and excited by the number of drivers who expressed an interest in partnering with the school to improve the bus experience for everyone involved. They obviously care about the students and the families that they serve,” commented School Psychologist, Dusty Phelps.
The ABC’s of Northern include: “A” - attendance, academics, attitude and achievement, “B” – be respectful, be responsible, be willing to learn and be a team player and “C” - Character – responsibility, respect, loyalty, compassion, optimism, honesty, initiative, perseverance, trustworthy, contemplation, adaptability and courage. Using the “ABC’s” and teaching students “common area expectations” for the last four year has significantly reduced in-school referrals and days of suspension. In-school referrals went from 936 in 2005 to just over 300 last year. Also, days of suspension dropped from 266 in ‘05/’06 to just 34 in ‘08/’09.
Expectations are explained and posted for the classroom, the cafeteria, the restroom, the library, the gym and now for the bus. For example, hallway expectations include walking on the right side of the hallway single-file by two’s, respecting the space of others, keepings noise level to a minimum and going directly to the assigned location.
Bus expectations have now been added to school-wide expectations and to the teaching tools. Bus expectations state:
• Sit in your seat the entire time and do not change seats
• No food or drink allowed
• keep hands, feet and objects to yourself and inside the bus
• Follow all bus rules whether with your regular driver or substitute is driving
• Use appropriate language and voice level when talking to others
• Follow all adult directions
Of course, most bus expectations are critical for the safety of all students riding the bus.
“Our bus drivers have been very supportive of these initiatives. They are excited to continue to build a partnership with our school to have a positive impact on students,” commented Principal Angela Murphy and Assistant Principal Shelly Hargis. “We are thrilled to have them join our KyCID Team and look forward to great things in the future.”