Intervention Ideas
"Information overload" has become a phrase we use more and more often as we discover new and interesting places to visit on the internet. And while we don't want to be guilty of adding to the problem, every once in a while we come across a website that merits perusal by educators. Intervention Central is such a place.
This web site, www.interventioncentral.org, was created by Jim Wright, a school psychologist from Syracuse, New York.
Jim is a trainer and program developer for the School-Based Intervention Team (SBIT) Project for the Syracuse City School District. SBIT is a very successful problem-solving model in which teachers work collegially with their peers to develop effective teaching and behavior management strategies for struggling students.
Jim also serves as the Co-Chair of the Central New York School Violence Prevention Network, an affiliation of school- and community-based professionals who meet monthly to share strategies for ensuring that schools remain safe places to learn. In November 2001, Jim was selected for the "Leadership in School Psychology" award by the New York Association of School Psychologists.
He has put compiled some excellent resources for educators who seek to promote positive classroom behaviors and thereby provide a better learning environment for all students.
He provides a set of "On-Line Tools" including:
- Curriculum-Based Measurement List Builder
- Math Worksheet Generator
- OKAPI! Reading Probe Generator
- ChartDog: Create CBM Charts
- Test Score Analyzer 2
He provides a variety of free downloads:
- ADHD Evaluation Manual
- Bully Prevention Booklet
- Curriculum-Based Measurement Warehouse
- Classroom Behavior Report Card Manual
- Peer Tutor Training Manual
- Reading Interventions Manual
- School-Based Intervention Team (SBIT) Forms
And he even has some movies you can view at his site.
We sampled his "Bully Prevention Booklet" since we also have made some efforts to help prevent this type of behavior. It is excellent! You can download this 20 page fully illustrated PDF file and share it with your teachers. (Please read his "terms of use" -- it is very liberal. He states "there are only two restrictions on your use of these documents: (1) Whenever you distribute or otherwise use the complete documents or excerpts from them, you must identify the author; and (2) you cannot use the documents for private gain.")
His Bully Prevention Booklet provides guidelines to help school staff to better understand and manage the problem of bullying in school settings. It is fresh, viable, filled with practical advice and well worth your time to download and read.
Principals take note, this might be an excellent item to include in your "new teacher information packet."
Enough time reading about it -- we urge you to pay Jim a visit at InterventionCentral
The Advantage Press, Inc. publishes a number of behavior packets that will also help schools create a positive and respectful climate. Packets help students understand the basis for school rules and the reason these rules need to be followed. Students are led to realize why some behavior is "wrong" and are dissuaded from repeating mistakes. Behavior Learning Packets help students change through self-evaluation and goal-setting exercises. Answers provided by the student give teachers and administrators a basis for further discussion to prevent future problems.
This newsletter is freely distributable.
Advantage Press: Resources for Better Schools