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Reach and teach all Cultures through Education and School Discipline
The Spoken Truth by Stephanie Dallas
Shape Your Knowledge through Making Logical Decisions
The school to prison pipeline is a barrier in education due to lack of
communication and sound policies. The school policy should entail
strategies to implement the reach and teach as a method to minimize
on-going distractions in the school environment. School discipline
continues to rise in many counties due to the lack of self-discipline.
According to the ED.org, 3,000,000 students are suspended each year.
In order for us to be able to reach and teach students, we as adults
must be able to communicate with each other without looking at the
employment titles. Subsequently, we need to accept ideas and focus on
the main goals instead of contending with each other. Working
together to reach and teach is a great effort to move forward within
the public schools.
(http://www.mykidtoday.org/school-prison-pipeline-real-video)
The Reach and Teach method is designed to shape the behaviors to
prepare students for the real world. This method allows students to
take accountability and responsibility for their behavior. This
intervention strategy will minimize some of the school violations
within our schools. It also provides positive reinforcement to redirect
the behavior.
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Scenario 1 –This is an ongoing issue in our schools. Unfortunately, this
behavior is exhibited through the day in many public schools. School
staff members are subjected to this type of behavior.
The name was made up in the scenario. The inappropriate language
was left out however the blanks were used to demonstrate the
behavior displayed.
Maze left home with his jeans down to his knees. He got on the bus to
go to school. He walked into the school, the staff member asked him to
pull up his pants. Maze walked by the staff member and shut the__ up!
The staff member called for an administrator. The principal asked
Maze to go to the office. Maze responded, what the ---- did I do? I
didn’t do anything. I hate this ---- school. Maze is hitting the wall with
his fist and making comments such as, “I should blow up this school”.
What violations occurred in this scenario?
Class 3 violation- Safety threat- this action may warrant
suspension- Although Maze was upset about what took place, he
posed a safety threat. Did he mean it? We don’t know, but it was
said by Maze.
Disruptive Behavior
Inappropriate Language and Disrespect
Dress Code Violation
Disorderly Conduct
Back to the Scenario ( Maze)
Screening Questions
1. How did race influence this behavior?
2. Are the parents or guardians aware of this behavior?
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3. Is this behavior acceptable in the household?
4. How can we prepare Maze to make better choices?
How did it get to this point? Sometimes teachers are left in the
situations that takes place in the classroom. Some teachers may panic
due to not knowing how to deescalate student behaviors. The Reach
and Teach Method provides a foundation to address disciplinary
concerns.
The Reach method will teach awareness to parents and students about
the expectations for the school dress code. The dress code policy
should be implemented to address these concerns. “No sagging on
school property” All garments must be pulled up to avoid dress code
or sexual harassment violations.
The Teach method- During open house or parent night educate the
students and parents about the No sagging Zone and the
consequences. Create a school website or video to teach this strategy.
Post No sagging posters throughout the school as written cues. This
should take place before the students’ arrive back at school. Provide
students and parents the opportunity to watch video’s on this topic.
Although many people might view this issue as a minor offense, it could
elevate into a serious violation. This is offensive behavior and could be
viewed as threatening or intimidating behavior. The act of this
violation can be a form of sexual harassment. Educate students about
their actions and the consequences. The school administrator should
designate people to enforce this policy in the morning, before students
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enter the school. Students will be more contentious of their actions.
This will take work, however this plan can be very effective.
Other Suggestions
Students should be placed in alternative environments with safety
guards. Students out of control and waiting suspension should be sent
to the ISS classroom. The student should be sent to a room with other
designated staff when they are displaying erratic behaviors in the
school environment. This could include coaches, teachers, counselors,
and the resource officer assigned to the school. A great place could be a
computer lab to give assignments on shaping the behavior. Students
will be given the opportunity to complete other assignments until they
are picked up by their parents or guardians. Parents should be held
accountable to pick up their child when they are placed on OSS. A plan
should be in place to address concerns for parents that do not have
transportation after being notified of disciplinary actions.
Classroom Concerns/ Safety
Resource officers are designated by the school to provide safety.
However, the initial presence need to co- exist within the school
environment. It’s essential for resource officers to be outside the office
and walking around the school.
Teachers are not allowed to call resource officers, but the officer has
the right to walk in classrooms. Students will be aware of their behavior
if the classroom is being monitored. This strategy can be used to alert
students about their conduct. This information can be used in teacher
notes, having another adult in the classroom provides more clarification
about the issue. The classrooms with challenging behaviors should be
recognized during the first and second week of school. A schedule may
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be implemented to monitor the classroom to make changes if needed.
The safe school coordinators should keep a log of the classrooms, they
reported to throughout the school day. Student names should be
included to coach students about their behavior. This is a great PBIS
strategy in monitoring the behavior and providing assistance through
mentoring or counseling.
Final Thoughts
The Reach and Teach Method can be used to minimize ongoing school
sanctions. It takes a team effort and planning to promote awareness in
schools. Thank you for taking time to review this information.
