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Motivational System
The reinforcement of positive student behavior is achieved through
the motivation system, which is divided into five levels of
advancement. Points must be earned to advance from one level to the
next, and with each new level, students gain responsibilities.
Students are awarded points every day for academic work and good
behavior. They can lose points as well for inappropriate actions.
With accumulated points, student buy items from the school store or
earn privileges.
Within the Level System, Joseph Academy utilizes a point system based on the Boys
Town
model. The point system is the foundation for determining movement
between the five (5) levels. As with the Level System, the goal is
to effect behavioral change and growth to increase the students
successful participation in both the alternative and mainstream
settings. The point system is a therapeutic tool that provides:
a.) A basis for establishing rapport and building relationships with
student
b.) Structure and predictability
c.) Immediate reinforcement and feedback
d.) Motivation for student growth
e.) Development of internal monitoring and evaluation strategies
f.) A measurable record of student progress
It is designed to assist staff as they reinforce appropriate,
existing behaviors, modify inappropriate behaviors and teach new
classroom and social behaviors. For the point system to be
effective, the following must be adhered to:
1. Staff will use Teaching Interactions when students earn either
positive or negative points. Staff will continuously teach cause and
effect by explicitly connecting the students behaviors and choices
to the outcomes they result in.
2. Staff will be consistent as they monitor student behavior,
positively reinforce appropriate student behavior, and address
inappropriate student behavior.
Joseph Academy's team approach mandates that
each staff member view every student, not as his or her student, but rather as our student. The entire school staff accepts
responsibility for ensuring that all students receive the support
and structure they need to grow through consistent use of the point
system.
3. Staff will designate specific target behaviors for each student
to work on in addition to the broader category of appropriate
school/social behaviors. These target behaviors are identified with
varying degrees of student input, based on the students level.
4. Staff will not ignore appropriate or inappropriate behaviors. Joseph
Academy's mission is to catch students
being good. The point system must reflect this positive approach by
being part of a 4 to 1 ratio: For each negative behavior attended
to, staff must provide feedback for at least four appropriate,
successful ones.
5. Staff must not have any "hidden agendas" about the
requirements for earning
points.
Therapeutic
Services
Joseph Academy employs school social workers who provide individual
psychotherapy to all students on a weekly basis, as needed. The
therapy utilizes eclectic modalities emphasizing affirmation,
empowerment and compassion. The challenge of therapy is to candidly
look at areas the individual needs to change in order to be happy
and successful. The chief areas of focus are school life, family,
personal issues, vocational plans and strategies for peaceful
coexistence with others.
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