Frequent+Monitoring+and+Student+Recognition

Student achievement and behavior can be improved through frequent monitoring of student progress and positive feedback and recognition for gains made. This is the belief that guides school improvement efforts at Whiteman Elementary School in Denver, Colorado. In ** EFFECTIVE SCHOOLING PRACTICES: A RESEARCH SYNTHESIS ** (Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, 1990) the following research findings are identified: 1.2.3 There are smooth, efficient classroom routines. 1. Teachers plan rules and procedures before the school year begins and present these to students during the first few days of school. 2. There are smooth, rapid transitions between activities throughout the day or class. 1.4.1 There are high expectations for student learning. 1. Teachers set high standards for learning and let students know they are all expected to meet them. Standards are set so they are both challenging and attainable. 2. Teachers hold students accountable for completing assignments, turning in work, and participating in classroom discussions. 3. Teachers monitor their beliefs and behavior to make certain that high expectations are communicated to all students, regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, race, or other personal characteristics. 2.2.3 Discipline is firm and consistent. 1. A written code of conduct specifies acceptable student behavior, discipline procedures and consequences; students, parents and staff know the code; students and staff receive initial training and periodic reviews of key features. 2. Discipline procedures are routine and quick to administer. Disciplinary action quickly follows infractions and is always consistent with the code; treatment is equitable for all students Follow-up and action for absenteeism and tardiness normally occur within a day. 3. Discipline is administered in a neutral, matter-of-fact way; the disciplinarian focuses on the student's behavior, not on personality. 4. Out-of-school suspensions or expulsions are minimal; in-school suspension is used in most cases. 2.4.2 Incentives and rewards are used to build strong student and staff motivation. 1. Excellence in achievement and behavior is recognized and rewarded. Requirements for awards are clear; explicit procedures ensure consistency; evaluations are based on standards rather than on comparisons with peers. 2. School staff motivate students to achieve highly and behave appropriately chiefly through praise and rewards; attempts to build motivation through threats or punishments are avoided.
 * RESEARCH FINDINGS **

[]

Click here to comment on this article!