Reduce suspensions: 3 student driven tier 1 interventions

Episode 78

I recently read a blog by education consultant Janelle McLaughlin titled How to Build a More Powerful Classroom by Letting Go.  It talked about student centered classrooms and how effective they are.  One of the quotes that stood out to me was when she wrote, “These are the kids that leave that class filled with the power of using their own minds and directing their own learning.”  It got me thinking about how this related to discipline, accountability and the new legislation that’s passed in Michigan which is referred to as 1310D.  Empowered students are less likely in need of discipline and the following three student driven and collaborative tier 1 interventions can help mitigate and eliminate the need for punitive consequences.  The following is an adaptation from a student advocacy form received at a pd.  If you’d like a copy please contact me here and click on intervention in the drop down menu.
 
Student Centered
The idea behind the student centered intervention is that the student must learn to understand herself.  He must figure out the triggers for his behavior.  They must also decide how staff can assist them they can so they can regulate their reactions.  Or they must discover what they can do to help themselves.  
 
Classroom Centered
These interventions begin in a well structured classroom environment.  It includes the typically things great classrooms have as a foundation such as high quality and differentiated instruction, built in supports and classroom routines.  It also includes things like academic circles, call and response, centers and project/placed based learning.  
 
Community Centered
This focus here is still on the student but the focus in on the student becoming part of the larger community outside of the school.  In this intervention you provide leadership opportunities so they have an opportunity to solve school issues as well as community problems.  They must work with others to make decisions that have real implications and consequences.  In addition putting them in a position to lead discussions and talk about their strengths and areas of expertise gives them self-efficacy.
 
These three student and community centered tier 1 interventions are preemptive strategies that can help mitigate problems behavior.  What are other ways you can help prevent problem behaviors on the front end?  Share strategies in the comment section below.  
 
If you’re a principal make sure you check out the new grant/scholarship available that honors the hard work you put in on a daily basis. K12 principals click here to learn more
 
For more short articles and tips that support educational leaders check out my blog at the  http://www.theprincipalentrepreneur.com/ and/or pre order my newest book How To Be A Great Principal: 36 Shared Leadership Success Strategies.  If you’re an auditory learner you can download my podcast The Principal Entrepreneur, new episodes weekly.  To join the podcast as a guest email me at jonathanroyce@theprincipalentrepreneur.com. Finally, I’m part of a  community of supportive principals please join our private FB group.
 
 
 

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