Creating a Positve Learning Environment in High Needs Schools

Sean L. McCaskill, M.A.

In order to fully grasp the magnitude of our current state of urban education while serving high need students, we must build a foundation of understanding the mindset of the children we serve. This workshop/interaction will look at those factors that hinder teachers from working with adolescents in high needs schools. Emphasis will be placed on creating a baseline of understanding the mindset of adolescents from high needs schools. This workshop will also attempt to provide administrators teachers with solutions and techniques that will motivate, educate and assist in the personal development of the children we serve.

Goals and Objectives

By the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. analyze the 60 30 10 Rules for Managing Adolescent Behavior in the school setting;
2. understand how best to deal with student displays of physical and verbal aggression;
3. create a classroom environment that allows students to view education as a life changing opportunity;
4. manage students' behavior in a school setting by utilizing the TIME stairs.

Presentation Outline

1. Planting the Seeds
   1. Creating a baseline of Understanding
      1. Individual Social paradigms (Agents of Socialization)
         1. Beliefs
         2. Values
         3. Culture
         4. Norms
         5. Environment
   2. Understanding Group Dynamics
      1. Power of Group Pressure remains strong in adolescents' behavior
         1. Gate-Keeper
         2. Lieutenant
         3. Conartist
         4. Clown
         5. Isolate
         6. Dyad
         7. Bushboy / Bushgirl
         8. Scapegoat
2. Nurturing the Seed
   1. Creating an environment that allows individuals the ability to change (opportunity)
      1. Empathy Listening
      2. Cross Roads of Opportunity
      3. TIME Stairs
3. The Harvest
   1. Mental Transformation
   2. The Belief that Dreams Come True!