MIDDLE SCHOOL BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The behavior system that is implemented in the middle school classroom is a point-based program. The students have the opportunity to earn a total of 100 points per day. The points are tailored towards students’ academic and behavioral performance. Students earn points on an hourly basis. At the end of each day, teachers and students engage in a reciprocal dialogue regarding their overall performance. Students are provided with supportive feedback regarding classroom expectation and areas they did not earn points on that give day. The points are than tally and redeem for regular currency in which students used to purchase items during Redemption Day, (i.e., an out of school outing), which occurs every 4-6 weeks. Students and teacher decide collaboratively on where to go in advance for their redemption day. Further, students also have the choice to either save their money to purchase a desire items that may be more costly than what they have earned. If an item is questionable, the teachers will call the student’s parent(s) to obtain permission. Overall, earned currency serves as a tangible reinforcer and fosters appropriate behaviors and motivates students toward academic accomplishments. 

Space
Middle School classroom also implements what is called (taking space), in which teachers encourage students to take space when they feel frustrated or become upset. This in turn helps the student to self-regulate and become more cognizant of their needs. When students ask to take space, they are prompted to remain in designated areas such as outside the classroom or a designated quiet area for a specific amount of time, determined by teacher and student. After the allotted time, the student has the opportunity to speak with the teacher about his/her frustrations or any other issues that may have an impact on their ability to remain in class. Students are able to earn their points if they request to take space.

Time-Outs
Students are asked to take time-out if they are not able to self-regulate, make appropriate choices, and remain safe and calm in class. Time-out usually takes place in a designated room, free from other distractions, for a specific amount of time depending on the types and intensity of the student’s inappropriate behaviors. The teacher provides ongoing supervision and offers the students opportunity to discuss the problematic behavior and ways to resolve the matter prior to returning to class.