Staff members manage student behavior through the Positive Behavior Intervention

System. Student misbehavior is not tolerated. Staff members will instruct and recognize
correct behavior, redirect poor behavior, and if unsuccessful, will seek appropriate
assistance from counselors or administration.

Staff members create a safe environment that is warm, friendly, and positive. Staff
members connect with students and help them to overcome barriers to learning. Staff
members communicate with parents frequently.
Page 3 YCSD Employee Handbook

Journal entry #10
5/31/2014

Above I have copied and pasted the district policy for behavior management. I thought I would write
about this because behavior management has been one of my biggest challenges during both of my
practicums. Its wonderful that the staff promotes positive behavior systems like school wide currency.
I love the idea of catching students while they are doing something good, rather than correcting them
when they are doing something wrong. While correction cannot be ignored, positive reinforcement is a
great way to reward students for doing the right thing. I have had the joy of handing out the school
wide currency referred to as Cat Tracks. Cat tracks work much the same as real currency, students
earn cat tracks by being responsible, , or . They use their cat tracks to purchase special privileges, school
supplies, and treats. Its amazing how quickly students will change their reaction when cat tracks are
involved. They get excited and work extra hard.
I think that behavior management will always be something of a challenge but I am hoping that with
time and practice I can become a pro at rewarding and correcting.