I am moving through the levels at a faster than normal pace. I implemented WBT beginning in January, and I want to move through (all of the?) levels before the end of the school year. That being said, I introduced purple cards today at level 2 after having introduced white cards last week. The white cards quickly straightened out the behavior of some of my students who were starting to slip. Those students whose behavior has been truly problematic this year did a lot of practicing. The improvement in their behavior was markedly strong. Today, when introducing purple cards, these problematic students lit up as they received positive recognition that their parents would get to see. I was quite surprised at how well they received the praise. This has been the most powerful reaction to praise I have ever seen in a classroom. The dynamics in my class are truly changing with the implementation of WBT.

My big problem now is with substitute teachers. I am on the union negotiating team for our school district, meaning that I am absent approx. twice a month due to my required attendance at negotiation sessions. When I have substitutes, students whose behavior is changing with me are reverting back to negative behavior in my absence. I don't know how to improve this situation for teachers who have not been trained in WBT. I have an older behavior management system in place for substitutes. Nevertheless, I see that my substitute yesterday was schooled in our "more advanced system" by my class. Unfortunately, he/she was not schooled very well. I found sheets of paper with rules written 10 X each by students who were not behaving well. I hate to have that sort of distortion of level 2 take place. Does anybody have any words of wisdom for me?

Hey there,

First let me ask...why do you want to move through all the levels before the end of the school year. While all the levels are there I don't think that they are meant to all be used if it isn't necessary. So I just wanted to clarify if that was what you meant.

Second...

Substitute teachers are a challenge simply because think about how long it has taken you to get WBT comfortable for you...so don't expect it to be perfect. Leave specific instructions for your substitute with the basics that you really want to be followed...such as rehearsing the rules at the beginning of class, when to give practice cards and what specific practice you want the student to do. I would say that things such as purple cards are probably only coming from you the teacher...but you could prep your students with the knowledge that you will be getting a report from the sub and hopefully she has sees someone that deserves a purple card. I think the more specific you are with your sub instructions the better...

As for the regressing students...pull them aside for some specific practice with you before you will be out...that way they have one on one instruction about what you expect the sub to report about them..then have a "special" reward (like some super speed time or some eating with the teacher time...or anything else) that they can be working for while you are out. Just a thought.

HTH

Farrah Shipley
2010-2011 WBT Intern
Kindergarten
Texas

Thanks for the suggestions. I will try giving specific instructions for substitutes.

As far as moving through all of the levels, I would like to be an intern for WBT. Those in our district who would like to be interns were told to move through the levels much more quickly than a teacher normally would so that we can experience the various levels during the remainder of our school year (i.e. Jan. through June). I realize that I probably will not go through all of the levels as not all levels will be needed.

Sounds like it may be time to develop some student leaders. Have you considered a training program in which students can take the lead in your absence? Also, you could script some questions for the sub to ask your class in your absence that will help the guest teacher understand the process a little better.

Just an idea.

Ok that makes sense! I agree with the other poster...student leaders are going to be your best tool. Then you can leave that student's name with the sub and they would know who to rely on when they are unsure about how your procedures work! Student leaders are awesome! I have a student that can now lead our daily spelling exercises including pencil and paper work! How cool is that!

Farrah Shipley
WBT Intern

I agree that student leaders are wonderful! I have a "Class," "Hands and Eyes," and "Mirror" student leader in my 3rd grade class that really help out subs when I have to be gone for meetings. I also have student leaders that can come up and lead our word work lessons on a daily basis. The best thing about students leaders is that I picked a off task boy to be my "Class" leader and he is now one of my most attentive students because he wants to keep that job! How awesome is that!