JOIN THE CONVERSATION : #PBISLC16 DOWNLOAD THE CONFERENCE APP Academic Seminar Summer 2016

Getting Kids Ready for the Real World: Using Academic Seminar to Teach Behaviors Needed for School, Work & Life Michelle Polzin, WI RTI Center Kristin Rockwell, Baraboo High School

Taran

Not THAT kind of class

Or THIS kind of class

Adolescent Brains

Pre-Frontal Cortex—The “CEO” PFC of adolescent is about 80% developed compared to adults

The Amygdala— Emotional Control Center Adolescent brains rely heavily on this part of brain to interpret events and information!

Cerebellum— Coordination of Mind & Body It is possible to be physically AND mentally clumsy during development

Getting Started Download the Manual: Search “Academic Seminar, The High School Behavior Education Program” For Technical Assistance: Contact your WI PBIS Network or WI RTI Center Regional Technical Assistance Coordinators

Academic Seminar at Baraboo High School Kristin Rockwell goo.gl/u3f4W1

Background graduated from UW-La Crosse (bachelor's degree - English) hired as an EBD Teacher (K-5 grades) became PBIS Internal Coach graduated from Edgewood College (master’s degree - SPED) hired as PBIS External Coach hired as a Cross-Categorical SPED teacher (8th grade) hired as Academic Seminar teacher (9th grade) recipient of Herb Kohl Fellowship Grant hired as Instructional Designer for eduCLIMBER

Data Pulled Immediately after Grading Period GradeNumber of Students Failing Number of Fs Semester 2 GradeNumber of Students Failing Number of Fs Semester 1

ONE OF THE SOLUTIONS Academic Seminar

Selection Process Grades from 8th grade Attendance DEWS Score Teacher recommendation Middle school behavior data –Social –Emotional –Behavioral

Setting It Up

Purpose of Academic Seminar Success skills in all academic settings Improve attendance Provide check-ins/check-outs Promote academic success Build academic confidence Start small with freshmen and build

Curriculum of Academic Seminar Set goals and actively monitor own behavior Learn about resources Demonstrate appropriate academic/social behaviors Learn study habits Identify test-taking strategies Create graduation plans Learn organizational skills Increase positive adult interactions Develop self-management skills

THE DATA Semester School Year

2-Year Comparison Semester 1 Grading Period (Recent Data) School YearStudentsNumber of Students Number of Fs th Grade th Grade50101

7-Year Comparison Semester 1 Progress Grades

7-Year Comparison Semester 1 Final Grades

WHY IS ACADEMIC SEMINAR SUCCESSFUL?

The Facts Provides a consistent, supportive adult Provides structure to structure Directly teaches academic and social skills Provides students adequate time and necessary resources to complete work Increases progress monitoring of academic and social success

Goal Setting - Examples

Student goal example: Goal: Get more than a 90% in all of my classes by the 6-week grading period. -4 objectives to meet the goal -Self monitored every class

Student goal example: Goal: Get at least a C in Algebra by progress grading period -3 objectives to meet the goal -Self monitored every class

Keeping Students On-Track Calendar of Events

Classroom Website Academic Seminar Website

Number of Students: 1A = 7*1B = 7 2A = 15 2B = 10** 4A = 13 4B = 10 * = some new students for 2nd semester ** = new students for 2nd semester Total Students: 62

Interventions Help Students eduCLIMBER

Individual Student Progress

Cohort Student Progress

Individual Student Progress

Student Survey and Testimonials Academic Seminar

I feel my teacher supports my academic success.

I feel my teacher wants me to have a successful future.

Describe Academic Seminar “Academic Seminar is where you learn how to be a better student. For example, learning what to do and what not to do while a teacher is talking. This seems like common sense, but some people still have a hard time with it. This is teaching us for the future as well as in the work business. Also, Academic Seminar helps give you time to get caught up on work for classes.”

Describe Academic Seminar “Academic Seminar is a class to help us learn easier ways to do things. We learned how to respect others and ask for help.” “Academic Seminar is an elective class in which you get chosen to be in. It’s a supporting class to help you finish and be efficient with your time. It also helps you stay organized.”

“ The best aspect of Academic Seminar would be working with my peers to achieve the same end goal in mind, success.”

“ I learned many lessons to help me be successful not only in future careers and academics, but with relationships and people.”

“ The best part of Academic Seminar was the teacher and getting to know other students. ”

“ Everyone should have this class! ”

“ What helped me the most was connecting with teachers and not getting in trouble. ”

“ Academic Seminar has helped me with many of things. This class has helped me become a better student by teaching me how to be respectful to other teachers and responsible with my homework. Because of this class it has helped me not miss one homework assignment. ”

“ It helped me to get the motivation to do my homework and being more confident in participating in/during class.”

“ Learn how to use teacher credits!”

Teacher Testimonials Academic Seminar

“ Wow - I can't say enough! AS is such a positive experience for students and staff - feel so lucky that my students have the extra support!!”

“ It was great that kids had time to work on what they needed to. Students feel comfortable in the class.”

“ It was a great resource for freshman in terms of helping them get caught up in classes. It was also nice to have a teacher to communicate with about students. ”

“ I value the effort we put into showing students we care about their well being. The work you have done has great potential to guide students and provides extremely important emotional and academic support. Each time I work with or visit the class, students are engaged in activities that help develop their character and work ethic. What I find most important is the connection made between the expectations schools have and the knowledge and skills needed to be self-empowered in their own lives. The students are very lucky to have the opportunity to be part of this program because most high school students who need this type of support do not get it, which leads to bigger problems for the individuals and communities. ”

“ Students seemed to benefit from the positive support and interactions (especially students who typically dislike school and staff).”

“ The relationships built are very positive, the fact that students have an adult to go to in school is essential to their learning. The focus on reflection seems to have made a difference in many of these students’ lives. ”

“ I really appreciate the intentional support for our at risk students. These students need the extra attention and supports, and I feel as though Academic Seminar was able to support both their academic and personal needs.. ”

“ I'm so glad this is an option for kids!”

Contact Kristin Rockwell Instructional Designer eduCLIMBER