No Good Deed Goes Unacknowledged

Misbehaviour in schools is common, probably far too common, and while the issue is complex, many schools are attempting to identify or create programs that address behavioural issues.

Australian Christian Colleges (ACC) are rolling out their Positive Behaviour for Learning program, which was created by the school network, across their schools in an attempt to create and standardise a program that encourages a positive school environment.

ACC Darling Downs recently set the program in place in the face of significant growth across the campus, with many new students joining across both primary and secondary.

“While the growth is very exciting for our school community, it also comes with a very welcome challenge of maintaining our positive and respectful community while we have so many new students joining our school,” says Deputy Principal Jade Baker.

“At Australian Christian College Darling Downs, our goal is for all students to be well known, well-loved and well taught, and this philosophy guides our interactions with students. We understand that there may be underlying issues that could affect classroom behaviours, and we want to support students in making appropriate choices around their behaviours. The Positive Behaviour for Learning program aims to explicitly teach students the expected behaviours, so that all students know and understand what is expected from them.”

Positive Behaviour for Learning helps all students to understand the expected attitudes and behaviours and ensures they are rewarded for demonstrating these.

The program is based upon the school values of courage, humility, respect, initiative, self-control and respect. Staff have unpacked what these values look like, in terms of tangible behaviours, in key areas of the school. These values and behaviours have been represented by charts that are clearly displayed around the campus. This makes desired behaviours explicit and teachable and allows staff to easily reinforce the conduct that makes the school community hum.

For example, a student who provides assistance to a peer may be demonstrating respect. When an observing teacher notices this, the student receives an acknowledgement. They have a reward system, where a certain number of acknowledgements will result in a value award, and should a student be acknowledged for all six values, they will receive a very special Principal’s Award.

“Our staff were very much part of the implementation of the program. After proposing the concept, teachers and support staff collaboratively determined the types of behaviours that best exemplified our school values. This has been so helpful, as it has forced all of us to be really clear about what we expect to see and how we can best teach our students to meet these expectations. The teachers monitor the progress of their students and students can see how they are tracking toward achieving an award."

The proof is in the pudding and Deputy Principal Baker says that the school’s climate is improving and there is a definite, clear distinction for both staff and students between the situation that preceded the program and the present.

“The program has been so successful because we are all invested - from the principal right through to the support staff. As we are all focused on teaching and rewarding positive behaviour, rather than looking to discipline poor behaviour, the atmosphere at the school is naturally positive and celebratory of student successes.

“All of our students, from kindergarten through to the secondary students, are more motivated to behave well. They understand the expectations and they are excited to be rewarded for behaving well. They even encourage each other so that their friends can also be rewarded.

“Our students have provided some very positive feedback, including: ‘I think it's a good way to encourage kids to learn and it's a good way to teach kids to behave and use self-control as well as be more respectful. I think it's good because it is something new and it makes kids want to behave and get points. You get a certificate, and your parents will be happy with you’.

“Along with Australian Christian College Darling Downs, a number of other ACC schools are at the early stages of implementation. This is helpful because our schools can collaboratively share resources and support each other through the process,” Baker says.