PBIS in the Classroom: Culture and Relationship-Building Application (Your campus) PBIS Team Student Services Department

Review: What is Culture? Culture is often described like “air.” “Culture” and “race” are not synonyms. Our culture comes from how, where, when, by whom we were raised . Culture affects how individuals view the world and how they live; our students’ culture impacts their experience with school. Culture is both formed and transmitted through communication, verbal and non-verbal. Click to show the first bullet and say, “Culture is often defined like air. That is, it’s all around us, all the time. We don’t notice it until it’s not there.” Click to show the second bullet and say, “Culture and race are not the same thing. For instance, has anyone ever seen the show ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’? [solicit audience responses]. On that show, Will and Carlton are both African-American, but they have vastly different cultures.” [The audience should recognize this reference. If not, explain a little more. Although both Will and Carlton are African-American, their behaviors and life experiences are entirely different. They differ greatly in culture.] Say, “Think of these two TV shows – Duck Dynasty and Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Both families are White, however, their behaviors and life experiences are entirely different. They have very different cultures.” Click to show the third bullet and say, “Our culture – and our students’ culture – comes from how, where, when, and by whom we were raised. It’s a direct reflection of our learning history with our family, our community, and our environment.” Click to show the fourth bullet and say, “Culture affects how we view our world and how we live our lives. Our students’ educational experience is impacted by their culture. Can you think of an example of how students’ culture can impact their education?” Solicit audience responses. Provide the following example: “For instance, if you are teaching a students from a low socio-economic background and you give an essay prompt that references a family vacation or a plane ride, that student may have no frame of reference for the question. It’s not culturally relevant.” Click to show the fifth bullet and say, “Our culture is shaped through our interactions – both verbal and non-verbal – with others.”

In a given context, setting, or environment Remember: Your culture shapes: How you are likely to act How you are likely to react How you are likely to be perceived How others are likely to act In a given context, setting, or environment Click to show all text on slide and read it to participants. Sugai, 2014

Review: Building Relationships Building relationships with students is a critical element in classroom management. While “building relationships” may seem like a subjective construct, there are certain behaviors in which teachers engage when building relationships with students. Listening Frequent, positive interactions with students Click to show the first bullet and read it to participants. Click to show the second bullet and read it to participants. Click to show the indented bullet and say, “What are some examples of behaviors that contribute to building relationships with students?” Solicit audience responses; if necessary, provide examples like: “Listening,” “Knowing and using students’ names,” “Taking an interest in student’s lives (by asking questions) outside of the classroom,” “Attending extra-curricular activities,” and “Being available for extra help.” Note: prompt participants to give observable and measurable behaviors as answers (“being nice” or “being approachable” are not behaviors). Distribute the “Relationship-Building Strategies” handout and suggest participants review the multiple ways in which to develop and sustain positive relationships in the classroom. Simonsen & Myers, 2015

Relationship-Building: Discussion How would you assess your ability to build relationships with students? What are your strengths? Where could you improve? What are some identifiable, measurable steps you can take (or do take) to build relationships with your students? Think about your culture, your students’ culture, and the culture of your classroom. How does culture impact your relationships with students? How does building relationships impact your classroom culture? Click to show the bullets and solicit responses from the audience.

Teacher Practice Activity Look at the “Culture Map” handout. To complete the activity: Put your name in the circle. Consider the life events that have shaped you and your personal culture. Put significant events in the boxes around the circle. Answer the questions below the graphic. Handout the “Culture Map” handout and direct participants to view it. Walk them through the directions (bullet by bullet). Presenter may want to consider putting your culture “map” on the screen as a model for when they complete their activity.

How are we shaped by our culture? Transition to adulthood Educational experience Early experience Your culture Professional experience Early experience Born and raised Most recent experiences Professional experience Click and read the text in each box. Explain that these experiences help shape our culture. Professional/personal experience Thank you, George Sugai!

Questions To Be Completed How does your culture impact your teaching? What aspects of your culture impact your relationship with students? What aspects of your culture impact your relationship with colleagues?  What aspects of your culture impact your perspective on education? Hold up a blank copy of the “Culture Map” handout and explain the activity will be completed independently. Read the debrief questions they should answer as well… How does your culture impact your teaching? What aspects of your culture impact your relationship with students? What aspects of your culture impact your relationship with colleagues? What aspects of your culture impact your perspective on education? If campus team and administration chooses, consider establishing a procedure for collecting the completed behavior maps from teachers to ensure completion of the activity in a timely fashion.

For More Information Refer to the Student Services intranet website. From inside AISD, click on: w3.aisd.net/studentservices Consult with member(s) of your campus PBIS team. Who do I contact for more information? (read information on the slide)

PBIS Intranet Website District PBIS news, events, and updates. To access, select intranet, click on “Student Services”, then select the PBIS tab. Select “Teacher/Classroom Resources” Click to show how to access Student Services intranet website.