Discovery Program The Discovery Program is a District

Discovery Program The Discovery Program is a District approved teaching tool to help students to learn positive and cooperative behaviors. Several parts of the program will be utilized throughout the high school: Attending Skills, The Six P’s, and Tribal Rules with Group and Team Skills.

Attending skills

Being in the Moment �Actively engaged (focused and listening )in lessons, discussions, and meetings. �Minds are not wandering to what is for lunch or what to do when they get home �Any problems or issues are “left at the door” so that students can concentrate solely on the subject being discussed. �If there is a serious problem, let me know early before class begins

Appropriate Body Language (or Listening Positions) �Posture is very important to attention and listening skills. �Five points to Listening Positions: 1) Sit up straight – feet on the floor under the desk, chair pulled in, and all four feet of the chair touching the floor 2) Empty Hands on Desk 3) Eyes on the Speaker – student speaker or teacher 4) Remain quiet 5) Actively listen

Appropriate Eye Contact �Eye to eye, or, in the very least, eye to face or lips when not writing notes �Eye contact is important in communication �Not “staring down, ” rolling eyes, laying your head down, or looking around.

Appropriate Feedback �Responses are on-topic, genuine, authentic, and students best effort! �Raise your hands �Never yell out responses, especially if someone else is talking

Questions to Clarify or Validate �The questions should be a specific inquiry �It is the student’s responsibility to state when they are unclear about a topic

The Six P’s

Prompt – �Arrive to class on-time – sit silently, working on the opener while attendance is taken (students should be in class before the bell, but not necessarily in seats) �Return to class from library, restroom, etc. in a timely manner �Transition quickly from one activity to the next �Turn work in on-time

Prepared – �Come to school ready to learn. �Paper, sharpened pencil, pen -blue or black- and binder on desk (always have agenda on hand) �Homework completed and ready to turn in �Prepare your bodies with proper sleep, hygiene, and food (remember/respect class rules concerning food).

Polite – �Treat all students and staff respectfully (respect others’ opinions – realize your actions effect others) �Polite words include “Please”, “Thank you, ” “Excuse me, ” “I’m sorry, ” and “Pardon me. ” (the Golden Rule) �It also includes calling others by their proper name �Raising your hand waiting to be called upon (don’t talk over others) �Bullying, gossip, and any other dehumanizing or demoralizing behavior will not be tolerated (don’t snap at others, don’t talk about others, no hurtful words, don’t be a hater, respect others’ belongings)

Positive Mental Attitude – �Maintain a positive attitude in class. (No complaining, whining, or groaning about work and be positive about the work you do - Say “I can do this”– give positive feedback – don’t be a grouch –Don’t make others suffer because you’re in a bad mood) �Every attempt should be made to leave issues and problems at the door and walk into class committed to trying your best (try to smile and have a high self esteem) �If something you can’t just leave at the door has happened, let me know and we’ll work something out

Participate – �Actively participate in classroom discussions with relevant talk as well as with partner or group work (stand up and voice your opinion – give feedback during discussions – volunteer) �Always try your best/be alert and actively engaged in your classroom community (always work with and be active with your groups – listen to and follow directions – Listen to others when they are speaking) �No Sleeping!!!! �? ? ? ask questions (if you don’t understand, ask)

Produce – �Complete, on your own, and turn in all assignments (in class and homework – be able to give a relevant opinion of what is being discussed) �You will be expected to always turn in your best product (try your best – you won’t always be right, but at least try – don’t just slop stuff down, try your best)

Tribal Rules

Tribal rules �Desks Touch �Introduce Self �Use Names �Attending Skills maintained in group �Wah Space – Don’t interfere with other groups – Your group should maintain it’s own “bubble”

Group or Team Skills – �Negotiating �Listening �Having Empathy �Having Tolerance �Persevering �Maintaining a Work Ethic �Understanding Group Dynamics

Sample Script �Teacher: JT, how are your attending skills? �Student: Not good �Teacher: Can you fix it? �Student: Yes �Teacher : Thank you that’s 1 �If they say good, the teacher will respond, “ I disagree. May I speak with you in the hall please. ”

Script and Redirect Rules � 4 Redirects total � 3 rd redirect = hallway conference �During the conference, the rest of the class should stay on task/talk very quietly � 4 th redirect = problem solving with administration/CEO �Tardy to class = tardy write-up and 1 redirect �Phones used inappropriately = phone taken/sent to office and 1 redirect �Cussing/insubordination toward teacher or student is outside of the redirect system and = discipline referral/sent to office