The Southwest Voice

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For teachers, students’ classroom behavior and academic improvement is always a work in progress. On a regular basis, we try new techniques with hope of achieving success and optimizing student behavior. Knowing that not everything we try will work makes each success sweeter. Two elementary schools in the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, Seibert and Sandrini, have implemented a successful new program aimed at improving student behavior.

Although the program goes by two different names, the Greater Raider Program and the Secret Saint Program, the goal is the same: improving both social and academic behaviors for specific students. Students who were selected signed a contract with their families and the school. Incentives such as additional recess time and gift cards to the Valley Plaza Mall were used as rewards for improved behavior.

The stunning angle of the program was that children hoped they might be the select students being closely observed. Only 10 students were observed, but all behavior improved throughout both schools!

“Students responded because they received positive reinforcement for their efforts,” observed Vice Principal Dion Lovio.

Lovio, who splits his time as vice principal between both Seibert and Sandrini, learned of this program by attending a summer workshop last year. According to Lovio, once the program was implemented, teachers observed changes in character as well as in academics, including acts of kindness such as holding doors for others. Students learned that success and hard work feel good.

This program would never have been successful without donations from local businesses and support from all involved.  Anyone interested in donating gift cards or rewards may contact Lovio at Seibert or Sandrini elementary schools.