By Gary Lloyd
TRUSSVILLE — A new program to enhance school culture by noting and rewarding positive behavior of students is being initiated by the Alabama State Department.
The new program, using the Learning Earnings tool, aims to improve behavior school-wide through the combination of new administrative tools, professional development and ongoing analysis and monitoring of student performance.
Trussville City Schools Superintendent Pattie Neill holds up results of the tax referendum in February.
file photo by Ron Burkett
The Learning Earnings platform for managing classroom behavior and incentive programs will provide the tools necessary to manage the ALSDE behavior improvement initiative. Tightly integrated with the statewide student information system, InformationNOW, the program will benefit from the communication of the platforms, which will yield measurable and actionable data and serve as a tool for teachers and administrators to support positive behavior. The program will show the link between research-validated practices and the environments in which teaching and learning occurs.
“Technology paired with caring and consideration from educators in our schools will help to further reach out to students, increasing attendance, positive behaviors and achievement,” said State Superintendent of Education Tommy Bice. “We are proud to offer the Learning Earnings program, that helps encourage students to be their best.”
The Learning Earnings program will be managed by local schools and teachers. Goals will be established for students at the classroom, school and system levels. As students aim for positive behavioral targets, they may earn credits when they reach their goals. The main indicators of student success being reviewed are attendance, behavior and coursework. Students can use the credits to “purchase” items at the school or receive special privileges, through the online Learning Earnings store, such as a lunch with the principal or “VIP” parking at high schools.
Confirmed schools for the voluntary program include Alabaster City, Alexander City, Anniston City, Marion County, Morgan County, Pell City, Tarrant City and Wilcox County. Additional systems are potential signees as well. ALSDE hosted a kickoff meeting for those confirmed systems July 8.
Trussville City Schools Superintendent Pattie Neill said the school system is “looking at it for next year.”
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.
