Improving Behavior on the Bus: A Team Approach Mrs. Gina Crump Owner and Educator ZoeBus, LLC

What we’re covering today Suggestions for preventing behavior issues, using a team approach. Suggestions for addressing repeat behaviors. What we’re covering today

How my perspective has changed… Music teacher: Who is that singing out of tune? Elementary counselor: Why can’t those drivers make these kids behave? Character education facilitator: Don’t we need good character on the bus, too? Driver/Owner of ZoeBus: How can we better train and support our drivers? How my perspective has changed… COMPARE FIRST DAY OF MUSIC TEACHING (HAD MOM AS ROLE MODEL, FOUR YEARS OF COLLEGE, STUDENT TEACHING) TO FIRST DAY AS DRIVER (STUDENT HELPER FELL ASLEEP, NO TRAINGING ON DISCIPLINING WITH BACK TO STUDENTS)

On a mission…

Why I believe in a team approach The bus is an extension of the school day; drivers are part of the community. What occurs on the bus can affect the entire school day. The initiatives in the building can apply to the bus. EXPAND ON EXTENSION OF SCHOOL DAY: PEANUT ALLERGY IN BUILDING, THEN KIDS CAN’T EAT ON BUS. SAME LEVEL OF RESPECT ON BUS AS IN CLASSROOM

Preventing bad behavior

Preventing behavior issues by promoting the team Attend safety meetings. Support the inclusion of behavior management training for drivers. Recognize drivers with a Wall of Fame. Invite drivers to be guest readers, lunch buddies, etc. Educate students and parents during Day in K on bus safety. Involve transportation department at Open House. Preventing behavior issues by promoting the team FOCUS ON FACT THAT DRIVERS DO NOT ALWAYS FEEL SUPPORTED, INCLUDED

Communicate use of building-wide initiatives… PBIS Leader in Me Great Expectations BUSES WERE STILL DOING PBIS BUCKS AND DIDN’T EVEN KNOW SCHOOL WASN’T DOING IT ANYMORE. SHARE OUT!!

How can teachers be part of the solution? Options to consider: Avoid giving candy (especially suckers) at end of day. Have school bus expectations posted by classroom doors. Have teachers escort students to the bus. Familiarize teachers on what can/can’t be transported on bus.

Integrate behavior expectations into daily routines Check in with drivers and students in morning. 1 Add bus expectations to morning announcements. 2 Consider needed changes to dismissal process in afternoon. 3 Recognize good behavior during scheduled assemblies. 4 Integrate behavior expectations into daily routines

Thinking outside the box… Put Mystery Riders on the bus. (Branson and Northwest Districts) Organize ‘route family’ meetings. Utilize a ‘Recess Bus.’

The million-dollar question What do you wish drivers would or would not do to help improve behavior on the bus?

Addressing repeat behaviors on the bus

When assigning any consequences, the goal is to: Keep kids on the bus so we can keep them in school! Teach kids the connection between safety and behavior.

Save time, assign a bus mentor Assists with goal-setting. Acts as accountability partner for daily behavior. Organizes reward for goals met. Save time, assign a bus mentor

Goal-setting The nuts and bolts: Serves as contract Requires self-reflection, teaches accountability Involves adult in building as mentor Driver, student and mentor/administrator decide on: Timeframe Target behavior Reward

Restitution as a consequence-it hits all the marks! Requires student to work off ‘time owed.’ Directly connects behavior on bus to consequence on bus. Clean windows Sweep floors Sanitize seats Make bus safety posters for bus

Preventing repeat behaviors Avoiding meltdowns during the ride: Strategic seating Headphones Asking parents to pick up child