T H I N K
We have developed the following acronym for THINK as a standard for behavior.
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Treat
myself and others with respect.
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Each classroom displays a Classroom Ladder of Support. Each step of the classroom ladder builds upon the one before, beginning with small consequences and increasing the severity with each step. Each step backs up the previous step.
The Ladders of Support present students with a model of strategies for taking responsibility for own behavior. Posting the Ladders of Support provides a model so students are able to see a consistent model of consequences. Recognizing which step will come next may help students stop at an earlier point instead of continuing to escalate. The Ladder gives more chance for the student to understand the relationship between his/her behavior and the consequence because he/she can see the progression happening. Having knowledge of consequences ahead of time and hearing the consequences given in the form of choices give the student some control and responsibility. The Ladder of Support supports students in making good decisions about their own behavior and shows him/her that he/she can control what is happening to him.
The Ladder of Support establishes a proactive framework for handling behavior issues as opposed to reacting to behavior issues as they arise. It alleviates the guess work of which consequence teachers give at a particular time. In addition to providing students with a posted list of strategies for a student to follow to accept responsibility for own behavior, the Ladder also provides a framework for planning teacher strategies for developing student responsibility and meaningful consequences. The classroom Ladder of Support assists teacher in their efforts to be consistent in expectations and consequences.
Weekly, two students from each classroom are selected to receive the Fairview Ambassador and Personal Best Awards. Fairview Ambassador is awarded to students who accept responsibility, show respect for others, are kind and courteous, cooperate with others, and follow the expectations, guidelines, and THINK Skills of Fairview School. Personal Best is awarded to students who accept responsibility, prepare for class, turn assignments in on time, put forth great effort in the classroom, and take pride in their work. Pictures are taken of these students and displayed in the school entryway.
We believe having a common focus will allow the children and staff of Fairview to become more productive citizens both now and in the future.