NCJ Number
123070
Date Published
1990
Length
14 pages
Annotation
A behavioral program at Stemmers Run Junior High School in Baltimore County, Md., conducted from 1973-1980, improved participant school behaviors compared to a control group.
Abstract
At each grade level, one regular education section was set aside for multisuspended youth. Regular teachers (not special education) were assigned to the section based on interest and competence. Class enrollment ranged from 10 to 15 students. Students typically remained in the program for approximately a year and a half. Students earned points every 15 minutes for satisfactory behavior and completion of academic work. Students who earned at least 90 percent of the day's possible points were allowed to spend them for a release from school two periods early. Unspent daily points could be used at weekly auctions to purchase various items. Mental health staff held regular meetings with parents of program youth to build home-based support contracts, with parents providing rewards contingent upon good school reports. Infractions of school rules were dealt with first by check marks on a classroom discipline slip. Two warning notes during the same classroom period resulted in exclusion from the program pending restitutional or corrective action. Compared to control youth, program youth experienced fewer expulsions, suspensions, days out of school for disciplinary reasons, and grade failures. 5 tables, 3 references.