In the Alternative high school setting, students have already been flagged as “at-risk’ and
unresponsive to interventions brought forth in a traditional setting. As a result, they are sent off
to schools that offer smaller class sizes with an increased teacher to student ratio that is trained to
educate students who are “at-risk’. Why then should we assume that students would thrive in an
environment where the intervention is more punitive and more restrictive? According to
Simonsen and Sugai (2013, p.2), “Unfortunately, for youth with long histories of chronic
problem behaviors, these reactive responses tend to be the least effective and may lead to abuse
and unethical actions, increases in problem behavior, poor adult relationships,
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In similar research, continued punitive measures for students’
who exhibit disruptive behaviors will have teachers spending more time away from instruction
and more time writing up students. According to Benner, Kutash, Nelson and Fisher (2013 p.18),
“The sequence of teacher instruction followed by youth noncompliant or disruptive behavior lead
to escape and avoidance behaviors by the teacher. The end result is teachers reduce their overall
Effects of SWPBS on Behavioral Infractions in Alternative High Schools 14
curriculum demands and often terminate instruction by removing the youth from the classroom
or by simply not asking the youth to complete academic tasks”.
When comparing the Simonsen et al. and Benner et al. articles, both suggest that
alternative settings benefit at-risk students by incorporating a more positive school wide
intervention like SWPBS. In addition, remediation for students’ behavior, as well as establishing
clear and concise rules for which students are positively recognized for following were noted as
essential components for the success of SWPBS interventions. The three-tiered approach in
SWPBS accounts for all levels of remediation for problem behaviors. Benner et al. explains
Overcrowded schools are one of the many reasons why America is falling backwards. With high birth rates and continuous immigration flow the classroom has become overcrowded. The best way a student can learn is if the attention is not so divided. With large classrooms having over 30 students, it makes it almost impossible for a teacher to attend to each student equally. “Slavin (1989) reviewed those studies that lasted a minimum of 1 year and had 20 students or fewer. He concluded that substantial reductions in class size have a small positive effect on students” (Synopsis of Class Size Literature). Classrooms should be small enough for a teacher to perform well without divided attention. In smaller classrooms, students are recognized for their contribution and participation. Students can respect the work of their peers individually and learn from them and help maintain order. They have more time to be collaborative, work creatively, think critically and draw their own predictions. In “Every Classroom Teacher’s Dream”, Patricia Handley states that “Teachers have more opportunity for personalized assessment with students, such as individual conferencing. With a small class, teacher can maximize best teaching practices, heightening students’ academic achievement” (6). There is ample evidence on how a small classroom can improve so much.
A rating scale was completed by a Parker Elementary school teacher, Mrs. Smith for 8 year old Andrea. The Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale (DBRS) consisted of 50 questions with responses with zero representing rarely/hardly ever, one representing occasionally, two representing frequently, and three representing most of the time. The scale utilized is used by clinical professionals for diagnostic purposes of four different areas for behavior concerns these include: distractible, oppositional, impulsive-hyperactivity, and antisocial conduct. The rating scale was completed on 1/31/1992.
At-Risk Students predicts the likelihood that the respondent will be able to connect with and teach students of all backgrounds and levels.
With I-1351 there will be a drastic reduction in classroom sizes. The approved I-1351 would amend the previously mentioned RCW 28A.151.260. The sizes of classrooms would now be as follows: Grades K-3 17.0, Grade 4 25.0, Grades 5-6 25.0, Grades 7-8 25.0, and Grades 9-12 25.0. Perspective teachers in the State of Washington should be thrilled to know that there is such an emphasis on improved student to teacher ratios. The reduction in the ratio of students per teacher gives professional educators the greatest opportunity to successfully do their jobs. With smaller classroom sizes professional educators are able to provide a more individualized learning environment. Professionals in the education fields know that a classroom of 25 students
At overcrowded schools, material issues resulting from greater class sizes directly impact the classroom. Quantified into state spending per student, resources grow increasingly strained with each additional student. A 10-minute online activity becomes a 20-minute activity in a class where there are not enough Chromebooks, requiring students
The evidence suggests that increasing class size will not only harm children’s test scores in the short-run, but also in their long-run human capital formation. Money is saved from increasing class size will be more substantial social and educational costs in the future. In addition to high costs, reducing class size have unintended consequences. When California lowered class sizes in 1996, they realized that they did not have enough teachers to meet the challenge. Schools were forced to hire new teachers and add portable classmates to accommodate the state
For reasons unknown, some students simply cannot or choose not to behave during class. Caroleo opens her article, “An Examination of the Risks and Benefits of Alternative Education”, with the claim, “One size education does not fit for all children and youth” (35). It is true that blanket instruction does not work for most at-risk students. A specialized educational setting results in an increase in supervision and guidance. Specialized settings lower the possibility of frequent outbursts; therefore, placement into a smaller class would benefit the disruptive student. In most alternative classrooms, the student-teacher ratio is low. In a local alternative school hosted by New Brockton High School, the class roster rarely reaches above ten students. Smaller settings allow teachers the chance to minimize down time and focus on individuals. Increased one on one time allows students to find more productive outlets for their excess energy. In addition to being beneficial for the troublesome student, alternative schooling would allow other members of the class a productive environment in which to learn. Students’ outbursts are detrimental to not only the other students’ education but also the education of the delinquent as well. Placement into an alternative school will allow typical students to attend class uninterrupted and encourage the cause of distraction to focus on continuing their education. If the disruptive student is removed from the classroom, then it is likely that all students’ grades will flourish accordingly in the now positive
A small class is consider to be twenty students or less. In smaller schools there are not as many students so the teachers will be able to help the students more one on one. Students can have a better idea of the content that they are learning and even if they don’t understand then the could talk to the teacher to have a better understanding. In a recent study, students and teachers were randomly assigned to a small class, with an average of 15 students, or a regular class, with an average of 22 students. This large reduction in class size (7 students, or 32 percent) was found to increase student achievement by an amount equivalent to about 3 additional months of schooling four years later. Also, increasing the pupil/teacher ratio in the U.S. by one student would save at least $12 billion per year in teacher salary costs alone, which is roughly
With this, mandates and community desires place pressure on the allocation of personnel across the district. The economy of size allows larger districts to employ more specialized teachers, putting them in a better position to provide a wide range of courses required by state and federal mandates and expected by today’s students and parents. This ability allows for more individualized instruction – by age level, subject level, and level of ability. For example, hiring a full time instrumental music teacher, offering a wider variety of world language courses, or creating specialized special education centers. Personnel in larger systems also often enjoy improved professional development, increased salaries and benefits, and greater job security. With more colleagues, teachers in larger districts benefit from professional learning communities upon which to draw for advice and discussions, interactions that lead to improved effectiveness.
Leading through Vision. This training focused on setting goals and creating a departmental vision that aligns with the overall organizational vision.
Although there are advantages and disadvantages in class size reduction to student achievement, there can be a compromise. Smaller class sizes do not have to be for everyone. It can be left to lower achieving schools. Beginning teachers can start in smaller classes, and leave the larger classes for the more experienced. Larger class schools can provide one on one or small group tutoring for those who need extra help. In kindergarten and first grade establish smaller classes but gradually grow. There is a solution to every problem, but it takes effort to find the most effective
First of all, when kids start out their school career in a small class size they are able to have an immense take away. According to GreatSchools Staff from Great Schools, “Education researchers suspect that class size reduction in the early grades helps
students. She sets out to learn how to effectively teach and provide an interesting, stimulating,
Disruptive behaviors are conditions that can have a great influence in the teaching environment. Disruptive behaviors unswervingly hinder the ability of the teacher or the capability of a learner to benefit from their classroom experiences. Students attend schools with hopes of being productive citizens of society. I like to think of students as future leaders of tomorrow! For the most part, students attend school because it is the law. A learning environment should have actively engaged students, who are eager to participate and show knowledge is being acquired on a daily basis. However, some students are bored and disengaged with academic struggles, due to non-active lessons. Certain life factors such as family problems, financial difficulties are all factors that distract and contribute to students disruptive behaviors. One of the most detrimental settings for a teacher in a class is classroom management. Classroom management is defined as being "the methods and strategies an educator uses to maintain a classroom environment that is conducive to student success and learning" (McCreary, 2011). Disorderly student conduct is unfavorable to the entire academic process because they impede with the learning process of other classmates and cause teachers not to be able to instruct teachers most effectively.
teachers over the next seven years to help reduce class sizes to reach the national