Shuksan E-Blast September 29,2008

Your Shuksan Middle School E-Blast

September 29, 2008

Teacher expectations for Make Your Day

   As Teachers we will:

o Define interfering behavior
o Provide clear expectations
o Be private, non-threatening and non-judgmental while administering points
o Be neutral
o Allow students to choose steps by standing beside them and whispering
o Hold every student accountable
o Respect the 2-5 minute per step time limit
o Be consistent with the language we use
o Provide opportunities for recourse
o Enforce shadowing
o Allow students to opt out
o Be predictable
o Maintain continuity of instruction
o Maintain eye contact with our class
o Administer points in an efficient manner
o Function as a facilitator and sounding board for points and concerns

   As Teachers we will not :

o Leave students on steps longer than 3-5 minutes
o Make eye contact with student until Step 3
o Skip steps
o Communicate the step process from a distance
o Cue
o Place students on steps next to each other unless absolutely necessary
o Classify something as an Automatic Step 4 unless it meets the building agreement
o Change the program or process
o Tell a student they must opt out
o Moralize or be judgmental
o Wait until later to intervene
o Use Step 4 because we are frustrated

Make Your Day: Everyone Learns, Every day Matters
Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Shuksan decide to adopt the MYD program?
In the past, grade level teams created their own citizenship/discipline policies that led to inconsistency and confusion for kids. We needed a citizenship program at Shuksan that was consistent for the entire building in classrooms and common areas to help student be successful. We also wanted a program that focused on student learning and establishing a positive school culture.

What is the purpose of "steps?"
Clear expectations are established in each classroom. When a student chooses not to follow an expectation, or interferes with the learning or safety of another student, they choose to be on steps. The purpose of steps is to give students a moment to reflect actions.

Does my child have to sit in the corner when they are on steps?
NO. The student is simply required to move themselves away from the learning environment. This may look different in different classrooms due to class size and safety, but typically a student just turns their chair away, or moves to a place that they feel comfortable. If a student feels like they are facing a corner or wall, the teacher may be unaware of this and they are welcome to ask the teacher for a different location.

How long does my child sit in step one?
Your child should only be on step one for two to five minutes. The process is made to be reflective, but quick. If they are left on step one for more than five minutes, it was a mistake and they should let the teacher know. If they do not follow the expectations for sitting on step one, then they are choosing step two, and so on.

What if my child disagrees with the teacher and they don't think they chose step one?
Students are not allowed to bring up disagreements at the moment they are directed to step one by the teacher. The reason for this is that we are trying to teach students how to disagree with adults respectfully. When students are given two minutes to think about the situation first, this prevents "talking back," pointing fingers at other students, and allows the teacher to continue with instruction. When the teacher approaches the student on step one, they may inform the teacher that they disagree and would like recourse. Then, a respectful conversation can take place.

Does giving points at the end of the day take too much instructional time?
No, giving points takes about eight minutes at the end of each class period and actually adds a critical piece of instructional time. In order to assign themselves points, students must reflect on two things: Did I follow the expectations? Did I do the best that I could? This may involve thinking about if they were ready for class, if they turned in their homework, if they participated, if they were respectful to others, and if they put forth their best effort to learn. Teachers also assign themselves points and model their thinking, so it should be a very valuable experience for students. As we learn how to be more efficient it will take less time.

Shuksan Middle School
2713 Alderwood Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98225-1298
(360) 676-6454
wwwsms.bham.wednet.edu
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