Code of Student Conduct - Coral Reef Senior High School - Miami ...

Code of Student Conduct – Secondary
Best Practices and Suggestions for
Rewarding Model Student Behavior
The District believes in the dignity, worth, and potential of each and every student, and
provides opportunities to enable all students to make the dream of education a reality. In
fulfillment of these ideals, the vision of the Superintendent of Schools is to encourage and
recognize positive model student behavior, which means, our purpose is to reward and
recognize students for striving to do their best, and for giving respect to fellow students and
teachers.
Studies have revealed that model student behavior improves when students
• know what is expected of them at school;
• believe they have the academic and social skills to achieve;
• are recognized and given praise for doing good work or behaving appropriately;
• feel that there is someone at school who seems to care about them as people; and
• believe there is someone at school who encourages their development.
Studies also indicate the importance of parental support
• Student achievement related to parent support is not limited to the early years, but is
significant at all ages and grade levels.
• Children of involved parents achieve more regardless of socioeconomic status,
ethnic/racial background, or the parents’ educational level.
• Children of involved parents exhibit more positive attitudes and behavior.
• Children of involved parents have fewer instances of alcohol use, violence, and
antisocial behavior.
• Children of involved parents have higher grades, test scores and better attendance, and
are more likely to graduate from high school and have greater enrollment in postsecondary
education.
Research offers some suggestions for schools to clearly communicate expectations for model
student behavior
• The school must provide a well-written set of model student behavior expectations for the
school.
• The set of expectations is short (generally from 5 to 7 items).
• Students should be involved in the development, refinement, and communication of the
expectations of model student behavior.
• The model student behavior expectations are statements of how to achieve model
behavior, rather than what not to do.
• Model student behavior expectations are posted prominently throughout the school.
• Model student behavior expectations are emphasized in each classroom (e.g. explicitly
taught, reminded, and encouraged).
• Students should be encouraged to remember and repeat statements of model student behavior.
Adapted from G. Roy Mayer (2000) California State University, Los Angeles
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