Goal 3:By June 2017, the combined total of behavior incident counts in grades 3-5 will decrease by 20% from a total of 177 incident counts in 2015-2016 to a total of 142 incident counts in 2016-2017.
The 3 lesson unit on Expected and Unexpected Behaviors was presented to grades 3-5 as a part of the Core Curriculum. The unit supported our school's goal to decrease behavior incident counts in these grade levels. Grades 3-5 had the highest behavior referrals of all grades levels.
The Expected and Unexpected Behaviors unit was aligned with ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors in the fact that we expect our students at this level to be able to demonstrate social maturity and behaviors appropriate to the situation. Effective coping skills is another area that we hoped students would demonstrate when facing a problem.
All grades decreased their overall behavior incidents except fourth grade. Fourth graders showed growth according to perception data, but students did not demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and beliefs effectively to decrease negative school behaviors. This grade level could benefit from additional lessons on this topic.
Overall, the total combined discipline incident counts for grades 3-5 decreased from 177 in 2015 to 124 incident counts in 2016.Therefore, the original goal was exceeded. Incidents counts decreased by
30%.
Expected and Unexpected Behaviors
The pre/post data revealed that all students had better knowledge regarding exhibiting expected behaviors, knowing the difference between expected and unexpected behaviors, and responding positively to unexpected behaviors. The overall difference between pre and post test for the combined grade levels was 4 points. On the pretest the avg. score was a 7 out of 12. On the
posttest the avg. score was an 11 out 12. This proved that students improved in their knowledge of this topic.
However, conducting this unit at the beginning of the year may be even more impactful to set a positive tone between students dealing with unexpected behaviors and teach class expectations rather than “rules.” Next year, this unit will be modified to extend the lessons across all grade levels.
GA Dept. of Education Student Survey
The survey responses to statement #8 ”Students in my class behave so teachers can teach” increased by 10% from 25% in 2015-2016 to 35% in 2016-2017. This increase was a small improvement from last year's survey. Statement #8 was the one area on the survey where the percentage of student responses in the "always" category was significantly lower than other areas.
The 2015-2016 GA Student Health Survey drove the decision to cover the topic of expected and unexpected behaviors. Student behavior has a great impact on learning and by addressing this topic annually we hope to see a greater improvement in behavior.