Helping Students Learn to be Better Citizens

The project will (1) train school personnel and educate students on preventing school violence, including strategies to improve a school climate, and (2) hire school support personnel such as climate specialists, school psychologists, school social workers, school-based violence interrupters, and others directly supporting the prevention of school violence. The district will hire a licensed clinical social worker and three behavior interventionists. These new positions will examine disciplinary practices, interview staff, create alignment across the district, and provide training for teachers and principals. Trainings include ACES and Mental Health First Aid, as well as evidence-based social-emotional learning programs Zones of Regulation, Conscious Discipline, and Character Strong. These will improve school climate and help children succeed. Through the program, the behavior interventionists will become registered behavior technicians, allowing them to provide even greater mental health services to students struggling with various behavioral problems. The project will also increase the use of evidence-based curriculum and programs in the district to help students at all levels succeed; these programs include Conscious Discipline, TeachTown, and Character Strong.