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

Factors that influence school connectedness

•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?

Relationships Good 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

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 Traditions Unwritten 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