Creating a Respectful Classroom Module 1: School Connectedness

What is School Connectedness? The belief by students that adults in the school care about their learning and about them as individuals The quality of the social relationships and bonds that students make with individuals within the school community. Blum, 2005 Rowe, Stewart, Patterson, 2007

What is School Connectedness? Other terms used interchangeably with school connectedness: –“school engagement” –“school attachment” –“school bonding” –“school connection” –“school climate”

Why is school connectedness important ? Students who feel connected to school are more likely to: –Experience increased motivation –Be engaged in classroom activities –Want to attend school –Stay focused and pay better attention Resulting in academic success

Why is school connectedness important ? Students who feel connected to school are less likely to: –Use substances (alcohol, tobacco, drugs) –Skip or drop out of school –Exhibit emotional distress –Demonstrate violent or deviant behavior Fighting, bullying, vandalism, gang membership –Engage in health-risk behavior Sexual activity at an early age

Our Role in Promoting School Connectedness is to.. Ensure that all students, including students with disabilities, feel welcomed and connected to the school and learning activities To promote environments that welcome and value diversity

Activity Make a list of the people and activities that made you feel connected to school when you were growing-up. Make a list of the people and activities that made you disconnect from school.

Factors that influence school connectedness School Relationships School Culture School Environment

School Relationships Factors that influence school connectedness

Students & staffStudents & parents Students & administration Students & students Relationships Positive interactions High academic expectations and rigor Level of teacher supportiveness and caring Presence of good friends in school Peer groups that reflect similarities and differences Positive teacher-parent interactions Fostering high parent expectations for school success Positive teacher & parent interactions Open and respectful dialogue regarding school policies and procedures

Strategies that strengthen school relationships Students & Staff Converse with students outside of class Be open to discuss topics other than academics Offer help if you notice changes in student behavior or mood Engage in fun school activities with students –Sporting events –Talent shows –Fundraisers Students & Parents Staff can call parents for “praise reports” Invite parents to share their expertise through “career days” and mentoring programs Invite parents to sit on school committees Offer parent training opportunities

Strategies that strengthen school relationships Students & Administrators Invite students to discuss school activities Ensure that students feel close to at least 1 supportive adult at school Allow students to participate in some decision-making Communicate to parents positive behavior students are exhibiting Students & Students Offer peer-led tutoring and mentoring activities Develop new student orientation programs Allow students to develop groups that reflect their similarities and interests Provide opportunities for students to socialize with their peers during the school-day

Activity- How are the relationships in your school? RelationshipsGood relationships Relationships could be better Suggestions Student-Teacher Student-Parent Student-Admin. Student-Student

School Environment Factors that influence school connectedness

Environmental factors that impact school connectedness Physical environment Social environment School Environment

Environmental factors that impact school connectedness The physical environment –Appearance of the building Is building clean and garbage-free Is there adequate lighting –Organization of building Safety procedures in place Exits and entrances clearly marked Behavioral expectations posted

Environmental factors that impact school connectedness The physical environment –Disciplinary policies used to manage student behavior Are there fair and effective practices that offer a continuum of support for behavior…not just punishment Do teachers and students participate in the development and review of school rules

Environmental factors that impact school connectedness The social environment –Provision of extra-curricular activities Are there enough activities that all students, including students with disabilities, could participate in an activity of personal interests? Are students given the opportunity to establish new clubs or organizations? –Scheduling of leisure activities Are there after-school social events (dances, talent shows, game nights, tournaments) available? Are students a part of the planning process for these type of events?

Strategies that strengthen school environments Use a school or classroom social climate assessment tool to understand climate building needs (see examples provided) Consistently distribute recognition tickets for students Consistently remind/teach students of the behavioral expectations

Strategies that strengthen school environments Develop school-wide community service projects Invite all staff (including secretaries, custodians, cafeteria workers) to participate in school-wide activities (service projects, climate assessments, recognition system) Invite parents to participate in classroom activities and events

School Culture Factors that influence school connectedness

School Culture is… “The way we do things at our school!” The “feel” of our school: –Friendly –Elite –Inclusive –Very academic

School Culture is… a group’s shared beliefs, customs, and behavior schedules, curriculum, demographics, and policies

Activity Pick 5 words that describe the culture or “feel” of your school

School culture includes… Cherished TraditionsUnwritten Rules School song Annual celebrations (homecoming, prom parade, field day) Morning assembly Pep rally PBSIS Kick-off Student government elections Seniors “side” of the cafeteria What teachers discuss in the teacher lounge Administrator makes all the decisions or the staff is very vocal Don’t mess with “Mr. Davis” because he writes everyone up!

Activity Write down some cherished traditions and unwritten rules present in your school