ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Recognition, Intervention, & Adjustments

 

Theme: Recognition, Intervention, & Adjustments

 

System level: School

 

Practice: Establish strategies for early identification and intervention to meet student needs.

 

 

What does this practice look like in Arkansas?

 

Students are identified for interventions as quickly as possible, either by teacher monitoring or by examining past test scores. High-performing schools attempt to identify students for interventions as soon as possible. This is done using a variety of methods:  teacher assessment, past test scores, or cumulative portfolios. Students are incorporated into intervention programs quickly to ensure their academic success.

 

High quality student work is publicly recognized. High quality student work is displayed in classrooms and in hallways. Students that consistently produce high quality work are recognized in school-wide assemblies.

 

Rewards systems use extrinsic rewards, but the focus is on creating intrinsic motivation. Rewards systems may use extrinsic rewards, but the main focus is to teach students that learning is its own reward. There is a consistent belief that extrinsic rewards will work for awhile, but ultimately reduce student motivation.

 

Student recognition is focused on academics, character, and behavior so that each student can be recognized for his or her accomplishments. Student recognition is not only focused on academic achievement. Students may be recognized for appropriate behavior, displaying certain character traits, attendance, or academic growth. It is understood that students must be taught how to behave appropriately and be rewarded for displaying good behavior.

 

Teachers monitor each other, and will intervene if another teacher is struggling. Teachers frequently visit each other's classrooms and monitor each other. Teachers that are struggling are encouraged to conference with other teachers to solve problems. A team atmosphere is fostered throughout the school.

 

Documents related to practice:

 

Meadow Park Elementary takes careful steps in identifying potential academic problems early.  The Early Prevention of School Failure Skill Checklist is used by teachers to clarify what students are capable of doing and what skills need to be developed.

Examples: