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In this issue:
Districts had the opportunity to view Alt Ed students in the FQSR to ensure that Student Participation records were displayed as expected. Alt Ed membership days were NOT certified in the FQSR. If students were not displayed in the FSQR under the Alt Ed tab, Student Participation records must be created. Check with your vendor for specific instructions related to creating Student Participation records. FQSR reports that are confirmed or certified will not update any data from the SIS. When the ASR opens in the spring, districts may again view Alt Ed students in the report. You may submit a request to studentdatainfo@sde.ok.gov if you need confirmation that newly created Student Participation records are set up correctly in the SIS.
Missed the trainings? Click here for FQSR guidance, which includes Alt Ed.
CRITERIA 2A
Why are rewards important? The purpose is always the same—to motivate students to achieve. It’s important to keep in mind that not all students respond to rewards in the same way. Some students may be more motivated by tangible rewards and others may prefer intangible rewards like extra free time or privileges. Experiment to see what works best for your students. Below are some ideas to help you start on the right path! Whatever reward you choose, make sure that it is meaningful and relevant to your students.
Praise & Reinforcement
Sometimes all it takes to make a student feel special is a few words of praise. Instead of using extrinsic motivation like candy or prizes, try focusing on intrinsic motivation by giving your students compliments or simply telling them how proud you are of their hard work. This type of positive reinforcement can go a long way towards motivating your students to continue working hard. Leave your students little sticky notes of encouragement or motivation on their desk. You can also make pre-made notes to send home with your students.
Virtual Rewards
If you’re looking for something that will really excite your students, why not try virtual rewards? Virtual rewards could take many forms, such as extra time on their favorite computer game or tablet. This type of reward encourages students to engage with technology, but also provides an outlet for them to use it responsibly. By rewarding them with something they enjoy doing anyway, you can be sure that your reward will be appreciated!
Fun and Games
Games can be an excellent way to reward your students in the classroom. Whether they’re playing board games or a collaborative class game, games are a great way to engage your class while also teaching them important lessons about teamwork and cooperation. Plus, when everyone is having fun together it makes learning more enjoyable!
Exciting, Tangible Awards
 One of my all-time favorite incentives that truly works in my classroom (and the kids go crazy for) are my prize jars. I choose 5-6 inexpensive prizes like stickers, candy, ice cream, 5 free points on a quiz, and erasers. Throughout the week, I hand the students tickets for answering questions correctly, homework, quiz grades, behavior, and any other reason I think a student deserves a ticket. At the end of class, my students can choose which jar to put their tickets in, and every Friday, I choose a winner.
Would you like these incentive pictures for your own jars? Grab them for FREE right HERE!
There is no one magic solution when it comes to finding effective classroom incentives, but experimenting with different types of rewards is a good place to start. Ultimately, the goal is to find something that motivates your students to achieve their academic goals. Whatever you decide, make sure to give rewards consistently and fairly so that your students know that their hard work is paying off.
CRITERIA 10
Looking for ways to encourage participation in your counseling services and highlight the benefits for students?
Rebecca Damron, Project Manager-Project RESPECT, has these great tips for improving your counseling services:
- Make it a part of the referral process. The referring school counselor could indicate if this student would be a good candidate for their services and expressed areas of need.
- Make it a part of the application and intake process. Create a section that includes the services that are provided by your provider (types of difficulties that can be addressed, e.g. coping skills, emotional difficulties, etc.), so that it can be directly discussed during the intake process.
- Have the provider rotate to the different classes (or advisory periods) to talk about their services, how their services are typically utilized within the school community, their policies regarding confidentiality, how to request services, answer questions, etc. A letter/email home to the parents/guardians would be a great idea -- perhaps following up their classroom visits with an informational letter?
- Publish a newsletter that goes out on your social media page -- have a student interview the provider to discuss their role, address common fears or misconceptions about seeking services, and explain how students/guardians can request services would be another great way to highlight their important work!
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