Community Building Series

Focusing TogetherProfessional Development Guide

ByJoyce A. Rademacher,

Ph.D. Jane B. Pemberton,

Ph.D.Gail L. Cheever, M.A.

The Purpose of the Community-Building Series

To building learning communities in classrooms in which all members:

• Work together to facilitate every student’s learning

• Are encouraged to participate & do their best

• Feel valued & appreciated• Feel safe & supported

A Learning Community Is…

An environment that fosters

mutual cooperation, emotional

support, and person growth as

(people) work together to achieve

what they cannot accomplish alone.

- DuFour & Baker, 1998

The Purpose of Focusing Together

• To build a classroom learning community• To work in a respectful, tolerant

partnership with one another• To teach students to meet a set of

classroom expectations that define responsible work habits, respect, and physical safety

• To teach students a strategy that promotes self-management behavior

Underlying Principles

• All methods and procedures in Focusing Together are consistent with the principles of a Positive Behavior Support (PBS) system.

• PBS is a research-validated approach that can be used to eliminate inappropriate behaviors and replace them with prosocial skills.

Underlying Principles (con’t)

• Research has shown that rather than rely on punitive models of behavior control, teachers can create an environment in which everyone helps one another and strives to achieve self-discipline

Research FindingsCompared to students in comparison

classes, students in experimental classes:

• Reduced the number of off-task behaviors during the time they were expected to work independently

• Were more pleased with the classroom management procedures used by their teachers

Research Findings (con’t)

Compared to teachers in comparison classes, teachers in experimental classes:

• Reported a 72% reduction of rule infractions, while comparison teachers reported no change

• Were more satisfied with the program and their students’ behavior

Means for the Number of Off-Task Behaviors per Student in a 45-min. Period

Pre Post

Experimental 21.0 4.5

Comparison 21.9 18.3

•40 students in study (20 experimental; 20 comparison)•8 teachers•Grades 5 & 6•8 general education classes•1 rural district; 2 suburban districts

2004-2005

Teacher Satisfaction with the

Focusing Together Program

4.786.6

3.56

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Experimental Control

Pretest

Posttest

Student Satisfaction with the

Focusing Together Program

5.165.7

5.22

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Experimental Control

Pretest

Posttest

Basic Components of the Focusing Together Manual

• Introduction

• Instructional Lessons

• Cue Cards

• Student Materials

Overview of the 7 Lessons

• Lesson 1: Introduction & Overview of Focusing Together

• Lesson 2: Our Learning Community Expectations

• Lesson 3: Making Good Choices

Overview of the 7 Lessons (con’t)

• Lesson 4: Introduce & Describe the FOCUS Strategy

• Lesson 5: Model the FOCUS Strategy

• Lesson 6: Verbal Practice of the FOCUS Strategy

• Lesson 7: Practice the FOCUS Strategy

Primary Instructional Stages

• Give an Advance Organizer

• Introduce & Describe

• Provide Models or Examples

• Conduct Practice Activities

• Give a Post-Organizer

Lesson 1: Introduction & OverviewGoals

• To introduce concepts of “learning community” & “self-management”

• To present “Lessons from the Geese” as an example of how members of a community support one another

• To give students the “big picture” of the Focusing Together Program

• To have students suggest expectations for classroom behavior

Lessons from the Geese

In the fall, we can see geese heading south for the winter. Geese always fly along in V formation. This is what science has discovered about why geese fly that way:

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird right behind it. By flying in V formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

When one goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone. It quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.

When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back to another position in the wing.. When that happens, another goose flies point. Geese honk from behind and encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Finally…and this is very important. Finally…and this is very important. When a goose gets sick or is hurt, it When a goose gets sick or is hurt, it falls out of formation. Two other geese falls out of formation. Two other geese then fall out with that hurt goose and then fall out with that hurt goose and follow it down to lend help and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it goose until it is able to fly or until it dies. Only then do the two helping dies. Only then do the two helping geese launch out on their own to catch geese launch out on their own to catch up with their group.up with their group.

Key Concepts• Supervising Yourself

(Checking yourself as you work, and telling yourself what to do next)

• Expectations(Standards of behavior for the learning community)

• Focus(To concentrate and keep your mind on something)

Focusing TogetherSelf-Management

is about

Supervising yourself at all times

The FOCUS Strategy

Our Learning Community

Expectations

By usingBy remembering to live by

Good Choices

By m

aking

Guiding Questions

1. Why do members of a learning community need to know what is expected of them?

2. How does making good choices affect your personal power?

3. How will staying focused help you learn?

4. How can we work together to build a strong learning community?

Lesson 2: Our Learning Community Expectations

Goals• To present & teach a set of learning

community expectations that promote responsible work habits, respect, & safety, basted on the students’ suggestions

• To invite students to add to the expectations, if necessary

• To identify the benefits of living by the community expectations

• To state the consequences of not following the expectations

• To guide students in identifying celebrations for helping everyone meet expectations

Lesson 2: Instructional Procedures• Discuss learning community expectations

using Our Learning Expectations Frame• Invite students to add to the

expectations, if necessary• Discuss the consequences of not following

the expectations• Guide students in identifying celebrations

for helping everyone meet expectations• Conduct practice activities using It’s Your

Choice Game Cards or Worksheet• Give a written quiz on the expectations

Key Vocabulary for Lesson 2

Prepared:Ready to learn

Consequences:What happens after you act

Effective Classroom Expectations

• Begin with an action word• Are stated positively• Are observable and measurable• Are task and situation specific, yet general

enough to be transferred across settings• Relate to guiding principles such as

respect, good work habits, physical and emotional safety, etc.

• Are limited in number (5-7) so that they are easily remembered

• Are posted in view of students and teachers

Learning Community Expectations1. Enter the classroom quietly and

prepared2. Follow directions3. Begin work promptly + stay on task

+ work until done4. Listen while others speak5. Signal to speak6. Use respectful language7. Keep hands, feet, and objects to

yourself

Learning Community Expectations

Note:1,246 diverse learners in grades 3 through 8 were asked to rate the importance of these expectations for helping them work and get along with others. Each expectation was considered “important” to “very important” by students

Our Learning Community Expecations FrameLearning community expecations are about…How we agree to act in our classroom so that we can learn and work together.

Expectations1. Enter the classroom _______ and prepared. 2. ____________ directions.3. Begin work _______+ stay on ______ + work until ______. 4. _______ while others speak.5. Signal to _______.6. Use __________ language.7. Keep ______, _______, and objects to ___________.

Benefits(Meeting

Expectations)

Consequences(Not Meeting

Expectations)

Reward Celebrations

Guiding QuestionSo what is the big idea we’ve been discussing?

Example Consequences for not abiding by learning community expectations

First Time: Reminder Second Time:

Reminder Third Time: Problem-

Solving Sheet Fourth Time: Loss of

Privilege Severe Disruption:

Removal from Group

Problem-Solving Sheet

1. What behavior are you problem-solving about?

2. What learning community expectation(s) were you not living up to?

3. What event happened right before you acted in this way?

4. What were the consequences of your behavior?

Problem-Solving Sheet (con’t)

5. How did your behavior affect your personal power?

6. How did your behavior affect other people?

7. What can you do in the future when a similar event occurs?

8. What learning expectation will you remember to meet in the future?

Practice ActivityOption A: “It’s Your Choice Game Cards”

(DO)Enter the classroom quietly and prepared

Act It Out!

(DO NOT)Enter the classroom quietly and prepared

Act It Out!

Talk about It

What happens when Students choose to do

This?

Talk about ItWhat happens when

students choose to do this?

&Where else can students

do this?

Front Back

Practice Activity Option B: “It’s Your Choice Worksheet”

Section 1 Directions: The first column of this table lists our learning community expectations. Complete the table by answering the questions for each expectation.

Learning CommunityExpectations

What do you see and hear when students do this?

What happens when students choose to do this?

Enter the classroom quietly and prepared

Follow directions

Begin work promptly + stay on task + work until done

Listen while others speak

Signal to speak

Use respectful language

Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself

Practice Activity Option B: “It’s Your Choice Worksheet”

Section 2 Directions: The first column of this table lists our learning community expectations. Complete the table by answering the questions for each expectation.

Learning CommunityExpectations

What do you see and hear when students do NOT do this?

What happens when students choose NOT to do this?

Enter the classroom quietly and prepared

Follow directions

Begin work promptly + stay on task + work until done

Listen while others speak

Signal to speak

Use respectful language

Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself

Here is the list of expectations for our class:

A. Enter the classroom quietly and prepared.

B. Follow directions.C. Begin work on time + stay on task +

work until done.D. Listen while others speak.E. Signal to speak.F. Use respectful language.G. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

Next, we will look at a list of situations. Decide which expectation the student in each situation remembered to follow. Write the correct answer on the line provided under each situation.

1. José and Sam were playing ball on the playground during lunch. José was not playing by the rules of the game. Sam got mad and wanted to push and kick José. Instead, Sam walked away to join another game.

Expectation: ______________________

2. Each morning when John comes into class, he silently puts his coat and lunch away. Next, he puts his homework in thie folder next to the teacher’s desk. If someone asks John a question, he answers in a soft voice as he makes his way to his seat.

Expectation: _______________________

3. Jane and Lynn like to play cards during recess. Jane does not always agree with Lynn. However, Jane always talks to Lynn in a nice way. Jane remembers to say “please” and “thank you” as they play.

Expectation: _______________________

4. Sue is a focused worker. As soon as the teacher gives directions to read, Sue reads the story to herself. She then answers the questions the teacher told her to answer about the story. Sue does not look around the room or talk to anyone as she workds. When she finishes her reading assignment, Sue gets ready for her math lesson.

Expectation: ____________________________

5. Mr. Jones teaches math each day at 1:00 p.m. Carl likes math. He enjoys the fun math games that Mr. Jones lets the class play on Friday. Sometimes Carl does not understand how to play a game, so he raises his hand and waits for Mr. Jones to say his name before he asks a question.

Expectation: _______________________

6. Casey and James like to work together during writing class. When James is talking, Casey sits quietly. She looks at him and nods her head to let James know that she understands when he is talking about.

Expectation: _______________________

7. When they heard the fire alarm go off, Tony and Jane walked out of the library. They met their teacher and the rest of the class outside the building. Tony and Jane did exactly what they had been told to do during their practice fire drills.

Expectation: _______________________

Lesson 3: Making Good Choices

Goals To define “choice” To explain the E+B+C Personal Power

Formula To examine the relationship between choice

and consequences To practice analyzing behavior consequences

according to the Personal Power Formula To explain how choices impact personal power

Lesson 3: Instructional Procedures

Define “choice” and “personal power” Explain the relationship between

choices, consequences, and personal power

Explain the E+B+C Personal Power formula

Introduce the Personal Power Questions

Conduct practice activity using either the EBC Power Activity or Worksheet

Key Vocabulary for Lesson 3Choice:Deciding what to do from a list of options

Powerful:Having great strength or authority

Personal Power:Having control over your own life

Event: What happens first before you act

E+B+C Personal Power

E EventWhat happens first before you choose a

behavior

B BehaviorAn action or how you act

C ConsequenceWhat happens to you and others after you act

P Personal PowerThe control you have over what happens in your life. You gain more control when you make good behavior choices.

Personal Power QuestionsThink Before You Act!

1. What will the consequences of my action be?

2. How will this action affect my personal power?

3. With this action, am I living up to our learning community expectations?

4. How will this action affect others?

E+B+C No Personal Power

E Joe needs to complete a big project for homework. However, Sam calls and asks him to go to a movie.

What is the event (E) that Joe can choose to respond to?

B Joe goes to the movie and does not do his homework.

What behavior (B) does Joe choose?

E+B+C No Personal Power

C The project does not get done. Thus, Joe has to stay after school to complete the work.

As a result, he misses baseball practice and cannot pitch in the upcoming game.What are the consequence (C) for Joe’s behavior?

P Personal Power1. How did Joe’s choice affect his personal

power?2. Which learning community expectation did Joe forget? 3. How did Joe’s choice affect other people?

E+B+C Personal PowerE Joe needs to complete a big project for

homework. However, Sam calls and asks him to go to a movie.

What is the event (E) that Joe can choose to respond to?

B Joe tells Sam that he has to finish his project first. Thus, Joe immediately starts work on his project and works until he is done.

What behavior (B) does Joe choose?

E+B+C Personal Power (con’t)

C He completes his project that evening and turns it in the next day. That afternoon, he attends baseball practice, which means he can pitch in the upcoming game.

What are the consequence (C) for Joe’s behavior?

P Personal Power

1. How did Joe’s choice affect his personal power?

2. Which learning community expectation did Joe remember?

3. How did Joe’s choice affect other people?

Divide into teams of four, and pick a card from the envelope.

Read your card to see if you are the E Card, B Card, C Card, or Power Card. Talk with your teammates about possible answers to the questions on your cards.

Stand shoulder to shoulder with you teammates in the correct order formula. Read the situation to the class and quiz them on the questions.

EBC Power Activity Directions

EBC Power Activity CardsExample: E Card

John came into class one morning and put his things away. Bob suddenly called to John in a loud voice from

across the room.

What is the E for which John can choose an action?

Example: B Card

John put his finger to his lips to signal to Bob that he could not talk right

then. Then, John took his seat.

What is the B that John chose?

Example: C Card

Bob stopped talking and got ready for class. The teacher gave them full credit

for being ready for class to begin.

What is the C?

Example: POWER Card

1. How did John’s choice affect his personal power?

2. How did John’s choice affect others?

3. What was the learning expectation?

E+B+C Personal Power Worksheet

Situation #1

Sarah went to the library. The teacher told the students to find books on sharks before the bell rang. She found three good books for her report. She got a lot of work done on her report and earned a good grade.

E+B+C Personal Power Worksheet Situation #2

John came into class one morning and put his things away. Bob suddenly called to John in a loud voice from across the room. John put his finger to his lips to signal to Bob that he could not talk right then. Then, John took his seat. Bob stopped talking and got ready for class. The teacher gave them full credit for being ready for class to begin.

E+B+C Personal Power Worksheet Situation #3

A group of students were working on an art project. Each student had a job to do. Mr. Hatchett, the art teacher, gave directions to the group on how to mix the paint. Lynn did not understand the directions. Lynn raised her hand. Mr. Hatchett saw Lynn’s hand signal and asked her what she wanted. Mr. Hatchett told the group again how to mix the pain. Lynn was able to complete her project because she knew how to mix the pain, and it was chosen for the art fair.

E+B+C Personal Power Worksheet Situation #4

Bill and Sue were in P.E. They were running laps around the track. Bill accidentally tripped Sue, and she fell down. Bill stopped running when he saw Sue fall. He helped her up and told her he was sorry. Sue smiled and thanked Bill for helping her. Bill and Sue rejoined the others and received credit for finishing their laps.

E+B+C Personal Power Worksheet Situation #5

Jane was a new student in the school. One day the teacher gave directions for a kind of book report that Jane had never written. Jane listened carefully as the teacher gave directions. She also took notes on her assignment sheet. Jane followed all the steps to finish the book report. After grading the reports and returning them to the students, the teacher complimented Jane on the quality of her work and asked Jane to share her report with the other students.

Lesson 4: Introduce & Describe the FOCUS Strategy

Goals To help students understand the

characteristics of focused and unfocused workers

To describe the steps of the FOCUS Strategy to students

Lesson 4 Instructional Procedures

Define and demonstrate what a focused and unfocused worker looks like

Explain and demonstrate each of the FOCUS Steps

Explain each of the TASK Substeps Demonstrate and practice the FOCUS

hand signal Demonstrate and practice the kinesthetic

tool for TASK Explain the “thumbs-up” cue

Key Vocabulary for Lesson 4

Focus:To keep your mind on what you are doing as you work

Unfocused:Not keeping your mind on what you are doing as you work

Strategy:A plan of action that includes a series of steps to help you accomplish something

Distraction:Thinking about something other than what you are supposed to be doing

Task:A job you need to do

The FOCUS StrategyFree your mind of distractions

Organize yourself

Check the expectations and get started

Use help wisely

Supervise yourself

Use Help Wisely

Think before asking for help

Ask at the right time

Signal and work while waiting

Know what to say

The FOCUS Hand Signal

Begin with a “thumbs up” and say “FOCUS”

Start with you thumb touching your little finger and name the first step to “Free your mind of distractions”

Continue to touch each finger to name a FOCUS step

End with a “thumbs up” for “Supervise Yourself”

FOCUS

The FOCUS Hand Signal

T Put your index finger to your temple

(Think before asking for help)

A Put your index finger to your lips(Ask at the right time)

S Raise your hand high in the air

(Signal to speak)

K Use both hands to make quotation marks in the air(Know what to say)

TASK

Lesson 5: Model the FOCUS Strategy

Goals

To demonstrate the cognitive, physical, and verbal behaviors for the FOCUS and TASK Steps in a fun way

Lesson 5 Materials

Two funky hats Props like pencils, paper, pocket

folder, 2 or 3 books, notebook, etc. The FOCUS Strategy Model Script

(pp. 42-43 of the manual) or create your own

FOCUS Strategy poster

Lesson 5 Instructional Procedures

Give an Advance Organizer

Model the strategy

Give a Post-Organizer

Lesson 6: Verbal Practice of the FOCUS Strategy

Goals

To ensure students can name the FOCUS Steps to an automatic level

To check student understanding of the FOCUS Steps and their importance

Lesson 6 Instructional Procedures Give an Advance Organizer Conduct the rapid-fire activity for the

FOCUS Steps Conduct the rapid-fire activity for the

TASK Substeps Distribute bookmarks Conduct the written quiz Give a Post-Organizer

Lesson 7: Practice the FOCUS Strategy

Goals To give students ample opportunity

to practice the strategy in a fun way To make progress toward automatic

application of the strategy steps toward meeting expectations

To summarize main components of the program and gain commitments

Lesson 7 Instructional Procedures Introduce and describe how to complete a

FOCUS Checklist Conduct a practice activity using the

FOCUS Checklist Over the course of the week, provide

students with additional opportunities to practice the strategy and complete the FOCUS Checklist

Summarize the program using the Unit Map Present the Focused Student Commitment

Contract Revisit the story of the geese Give a post-organize

FOCUS ChecklistALL

SOME

NONE

F 2 1 0

O 2 1 0

C 2 1 0

U 2 1 0

T 2 1 0

A 2 1 0

S 2 1 0

K 2 1 0

S 2 1 0

1.Which FOCUS Step do you do best?

2.Which FOCUS Step do you need to work on?

3.What is your GOAL the next time you practice FOCUS?

Focused Student Commitment

We want to be a learning community of responsible learners. We agree to follow our learning community rules, make good choices, and stay FOCUSed.

Planning for ImplementationIdeas: During homeroom? At certain grade levels? Certain lessons emphasized at certain

grade levels? Certain lessons emphasized in certain

subject areas? Lessons used and/or modified to meet

levels or needs? Other: