Encouraging good behavior can be difficult in students that have no incentive, framework, or examples of it in their lives. Our school is trying to not just encourage good behavior temporarily, but to change students' outlooks on their conduct in life.
Our school is a little different than most.
We are a temporary campus for students that have had severe discipline problems in regular schools, thus need to be placed in a discipline management setting. Our students struggle to stay engaged in school, and are at high risk of dropping out. Our teachers work constantly with students not only to encourage their academic growth, but also to reform their behavior. Although we teach 7 periods a day of academic coursework, we spend 1 period a day on teen leadership, and quite a bit of time emphasizing appropriate behavior. Our students wear uniforms, and carry with them behavior point charts. They are expected to use these to manage their behavior. Infractions cost points, and thus cost privileges like being able to go through the lunch line first. Infractions can also result in being removed to the discipline classroom, where students sit quietly to work. For many these incentives work, but for some even this is not quite enough motivation.
My Project
To increase student motivation to conduct themselves in a respectful manner, I am requesting supplies to start a school store. This would allow students to earn points on their behavior charts for their good behavior, such as having materials, being respectful, doing their classwork, being on time, and following dress code. They could then use these points to purchase items in the school store. I am asking for soccer balls, books, make up kits, sketchbooks, and snacks to fill our shop with items the students would want and use.
This will teach them not only that their behavior can have a tangible value, but also some basic life skills like money management.
Students will be encouraged to excel in class academically and behaviorally by this school store. We can teach them with tangible reminders the value of their behavior, then help them understand real world applications, such as hard work being rewarded by a raise. We will also be able to help them recognize the pride of success and the payoff of determination.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Mobley and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.