The first day of my student teaching included a PIR day in which the administrators addressed the education staff. As a Montana Behavior Initiative school, the session began with an open discussion focusing on the positive responses to students that are exhibited and implemented by teachers with consistency, continuity, and cohesiveness. The result has been a significant decrease in office referrals, and higher student self-correcting behaviors. The school motto is the 3 Bs: Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible. This motto is defined further with several procedure posters that were handed out with descriptions of what it “looks like” and “sounds like” to apply the Bs to specific actions, e.g. hallway, assemblies, bus, bathroom, and lunchroom expectations. CHAMPS (Conversation, Help, Activities, Movement, Participation, Success) was introduced as a positive, proactive approach to teaching while the STOIC (Structure, Teach, Observe, Interact, Correct) Classroom Management Checklist provides the framework. This method offers a practical, hands on approach to tackling this tough issue that all schools face.
Having been an objective observer and guest participant at many different schools during my academic field experiences and an additional ten years of other educational experiences, I have had many opportunities to witness the struggle of schools to promote community and manage behavior. I have seen many different types of behavior management strategies in place, but the programs are only as successful as they are maintained in a consistent, cooperative manner by all staff within the school community.
This school has greatly benefited by this MBI program. The students are the benefactors as this program is molding their character students to become accountable, responsible, and committed citizens of a school community.