Behavior Contracts

Behavior contracts can be one way to address repeated, undesired behaviors in students.  Below is a simple behavior contract format that can help students to recognize what prosocial behaviors they are working towards and which behaviors they are working to eliminate.  I use this contract template during behavior conferences with the child, teacher, parents, and admin.  It is helpful to bring all parties on board and make sure everyone is clear, consistent, and in agreement on what is expected from the student.  View a full-size version of this behavior contract here.

Investigative Protocols

When investigating a moderate or significant behavior concern that may warrant more in-depth action, it is important to have a clear protocol that all staff involved in the investigation follow.  This ensures that all are on the same page and if questions arise about the integrity of the investigation it provides clear and consistent information on investigative measures.  Below I would like to share two resources I developed (with input from some fabulous colleagues!) that I have found particularly useful when delving into investigations.  First, a investigation protocol checklist that I used with my Dean of Students a couple of years ago to help us ensure we were approaching investigations similarly.  Second, a investigation and interview template that I use with any investigation that I do.  I keep a stack in my office and use these often when interviewing potential aggressors, witnesses, or victims.

Family-Teacher Conferences

Conferences between families and the teachers can be an incredibly powerful experience, building authentic partnership with two-way communication between home and school that carries through the entire school year.  A plethora of research suggests that strong connections such as these greatly benefit students and learning.  This Harvard Family Research Project conference resource is one tool to help guide all stakeholders as conferences approach.  Having a clear purpose for conferences and setting expectations for interactions can ensure that all voices are heard as goals and next steps for student achievement are determined.

Welcome Postcards!

So, every year I try to send something to the students specifically to welcome them to the new school year.  This is in addition to the introductory letter that I send to parents.  The letter to parents highlights my experience, who I am and any important beginning of the year dates/events.  The student letters are more of just a friendly hello.  This year I found these cute postcards at The Children's Bookshop in Lynnwood, WA that I am going to send out.  Again, I am not getting too specific in the message, just introducing myself and keeping the message about our new year together positive!

 

Remind101 Texting for Teachers

So a teacher friend posted about Remind101 and we have been having a good discussion on the "Teacher Talk Washington" Facebook page about the merits of using this mode of communication with students and/or parents.  It is an interesting idea and could be a really effective for reminding about events, assignments, etc.

Here is how Remind101 is described, "a safe way for teachers to text message students and stay in touch with parents".  They also say that in some classrooms student participation has increased 50% by utilizing texting.

It is something that I am thinking could be helpful in communicating with parents in my classroom and I may try this school year.  If I do I will report back on how well it worked for me!  If you already use Remind101 please let me know what you think of it.  I am so curious!!!

If interested there is more information here: https://www.remind101.com/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=news_feed&utm_campaign=homepage-20130801

Creating a Classroom Website That Supports Parent Partnerships

My classroom website is one of the most helpful pieces in my work to create strong partnerships with parents each year.  It takes a lot of work in the beginning, but once established it is so valuable.  Here is a breakdown of some of the highlights from my reading and research about effective classroom websites.  If you would like to see how my classroom website is coming along you can check it out at: www.nsd.org/salbertson

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN MAKING A CLASSROOM WEBSITE:

• ·         Once a day or a week, have students help you write your classroom newsletter.  This can be as simple as you calling on students to describe what they have learned that week while you type their quotes into a Word document.  Then you can add these ideas into your classroom blog or newsletters posted on your classroom website.
• ·         Create a “Curriculum and Pedagogy” page on your website.  Share aspects of the curriculum that you teach and how you teach it.  Explain how the way you teach benefits students and what units or topics you cover.  When you are coming to a particular unit (especially in social studies or science) link parents into other websites about the content area so that they can have meaningful discussions at home with their children.
• ·    If you are comfortable, adjust the format of your newsletters to be an online blog.  That way parents can post comments and questions and benefit from each other’s ideas.  You will need to post and/or verbally lay down some ground rules about posting respectful content.
• ·         Create a page of online learning sites.  Students who are difficult to reach through traditional classroom instruction often enjoy learning through technology.  The trick is finding quality learning games online.
• ·         Pages to consider adding to your classroom website:

o   Calendar: School events, classroom activities and important due dates

o   Photo Album:  Especially working parents feel much more linked into school when they can see images of the students working collaboratively or independently.

o   Weekly Schedule:  Even if you don’t follow it exactly, parents like to know what types of subjects are being taught and for how long.

o   Classroom Volunteering:  How can parents help out in your classroom?  Add a PDF of the background check form so they can download and turn it in independently.

o   Classroom Supply Lists:  What does the student need to bring to school?

o   Things To Donate to Your Classroom:  A list of things that are always used and appreciated when parent donate.

o   Ways To Prepare Their K Student BEFORE School Begins:  Resources and activities to be ready for the first day.

o   Discipline Policy:  How do you support positive choices?  What do you do when there is a serious problem?

o   Links to Other Important Staff Members Contact Info/Websites

ONLINE RESOURCES:

• ·         http://www.slideshare.net/mstephens66/encouraging-parent-involvement-through-the-use-of-a-class-webpage
• ·         http://www.doug-johnson.com/dougwri/teacher-webpages-that-build-parent-partnerships.html
• ·         http://chiron.valdosta.edu/are/vol1no2/PDF%20article%20manuscript/nelms.pdf