Engaging challenging Students Lessons learned in alternative settings and a student’s point of view- Sean Hollas, Principal Demonte, Student

Goddard Alternative Program Overviews Goddard Academy Formerly GAP History Current overview Students Staffing 95 +15 students 6.5 teachers 4 paras 1 library clerk Typical student Scheduling Self-paced Edgenuity Lakeside Academy History Dual structures Lakeside staff Students & School staff 18 students 4.5 teachers 1 para Student population

Typical students Goddard Academy Lakeside Academy Behind in credits Anxiety issues Poor attitude towards school and learning “Strikers” Attendance issues 18/95 have IEPs Not much diversity Lakeside Academy Students in DCF custody Don’t know background More middle schoolers Many low in math & reading Very immature Attendance issues Camp issues

Norms The expected behavior of a group or what most people do- “Around here we….” Norms are being acted out right now. What are they? Formal Norms Rules, policies Informal norms What I really happening Group norms- Can be positive or negative Behavior of a group Individual behavior is not a norm

Initial student norms about schooling Goddard Academy Lakeside Academy School/education may not be valued Mistake relaxed atmosphere for a ‘no rules’ atmosphere Attendance/tardies are issues Self paced classes lead to procrastination School/education is not valued This isn’t a real school Skipping school Adults can’t be trusted Status among peers is very important No parental involvement

Norms Crisis Norms Crisis Examples; First day of school Occurs when a person enters a new group and the expected behaviors are not known. Examples; First day of school First day on a job Students first day on campus What happens when a norm exists but the expected behavior is not met because it is not known. This situation is called a Norms Crisis

Norms Crisis Students and employees: will rely on the norms they know. will watch each other’s response to determine the norms. will demonstrate anxiety if the norms are not clear or not modeled. The informal norms are the real norms. The informal must become the formal. Frustration will occur because uncertainty exists.

How do you change a Norm? Formal expectations from Authority. Effective supervision and support of the Norm. Clear understanding of the norm(s). When you do not confront a negative norm you promote it. The development and support of a Positive Peer Culture or Group. Professional Courage. “Doing what is right no matter how difficult”.

Making a Change Administrative actions Confront negative behavior Failure to confront reinforces negative behavior Recognition and Reward System Reward desirable behavior Avoid creating disingenuous rewards It is important to not reward expected behavior, i.e. cleaning ones room: when this is done we create a token society.

What works for us Relationships Patience Flexibility “Kids don’t care what you know until they know that you care” Unconditional treatment Short memories Positive attitudes every day Patience Flexibility Relaxed atmosphere Clear rules Reward systems TGIF Daily points Food rewards Recognition Graduation ceremonies

Questions & Answers with Sean & Demonte

Leader Big Crowd Small Crowd - Carries themselves with an assertive confidence indicated through their physical and intellectual abilities Sometimes Silent When they talk, everyone listens Models the normative behavior for the group Communicates in a sophisticated manner Big Crowd Small Crowd

Lieutenant Big Crowd Small Crowd Strong Arm Leaders Right Hand Person Usually Verbal & Very Supportive of the Leader Often Does The Leaders Dirty Work Big Crowd Small Crowd

Con Artist Big Crowd Small Crowd Communication Link Between Staff & Big Crowd Always Getting Over, Making Deals Has the Protection of the Power Acts According to the Group They Are In Often Establishes a Strong Communication Link With Staff Small Crowd

Big Crowd Small Crowd Gopher A Person Who is a “Go For” Will Give Up Their Seat, Etc., in Exchange For Being Left Alone Big Crowd Small Crowd Gopher

Big Crowd Small Crowd Dyad Sub Group of 2 Persons Who Support and Protect Each Other When Not Together They Are Usually Loners Dyad

Big Crowd Small Crowd Scape Goat Weakest Member of the Group Most Everyone Picks on Them Group Pushes Most Problems on Scape Goat Scape Goat

Big Crowd Small Crowd Loner Keeps to Themselves as a Defense Against Attack From the Group

Big Crowd Isolate Small Crowd Most New Students For Many This is Temporary Due to Their Physical Strength, Intelligence & Maturity Weak Isolate Move Into Small Crowd, Strong Isolates Move Into Big Crowd Big Crowd Isolate Small Crowd

Leader Lieutenant Con Artist Big Crowd Isolate Small Crowd Gopher Loner Dyad Scape Goat