Meaningful Work A Targeted PBIS Program *Adapted from Meaningful Work Powerpoint by Michele Kelk, Ph.D. By: Christyn Denial, School Psychologist, Saranac Elementary School

What is Meaningful Work? Meaningful Work is a Targeted Program that many PBIS schools are using. Students are placed in a “job” in their school, where they have a supervisor (usually not their teacher), and they perform work that is meaningful to them and the school. Ideally, students receive job training and feedback on their performance.

Why should we do Meaningful Work in our school? It provides additional support for students who exhibit difficulties despite universal supports. It can be used for students who have CICO or Check and Connect, but aren’t responding. It helps students “connect” with others and gives them a sense or purpose and belonging. Gives students a chance to excel in an area in school on a regular basis.

What types of students? Attendance Problems Academic Problems Behavioral Problems Disengaged from School Activities If a student has this mix of problems, Meaningful Work will be most effective.

For Whom is Meaningful Work Appropriate? -Quiet, withdrawn -Low level behaviors -3-5 referrals -Behavior in multiple locations (Function of behavior: escape/avoid and/or adult attention) Inappropriate -Serious violent behaviors -Chronic behaviors -8-10 Referrals -Requires more individualized support (Intensive)

How does Meaningful Work provide a Connection for students? Provides opportunity for active involvement, so they become contributing members to the school. Provides opportunity to develop skills to make them better “workers/employees.” They are recognized for their contribution. They have a positive interaction with an adult (their supervisor) daily.

Entry into Meaningful Work Data Sources Multiple office referrals Attendance Data (many absences/tardies) Low work/homework completion Rating Scales Other screeners Referral Sources -Parent, Teacher,Targeted Team, Student

Possible Jobs Plant Technician Morning Greeter Energy Efficiency Manager (Door Duty) Box Top Manager Reading Buddy Tray Technician Folder Clerk Study Buddy Lunch Clean-up Teacher/Office Assistant Bus Line Cone Manager Advice Column Editor Soup Label Manager Recycle Technician Coffee Cup Manager (collector) Homework Assistant Recess Equipment Manager

Daily Procedures If applicable, student receives CICO sheet from teacher, and begins to complete it throughout the day. Student leaves classroom (with CICO sheet) for job. Student picks up badge. Student reports to job/supervisor and “works.” Supervisor reviews student’s daily sheet with the student (and adds a rating for job performance). Student receives feedback on job performance. Pay, if any, is given. Teacher finishes completing student’s daily sheet. End of Day: Student Checks in with Supervisor. Copy of Sheet goes home. Data is kept by Supervisor and reviewed monthly with team/teacher.

Questions to ask? Student Questions School-Wide Questions Should we do a job interview/application? Should we make badges? Should we “pay”? Should we have an Employee of the Month? How do students graduate from MW? Should we have “student staff meetings?” What are the student’s strengths and interests? Who do they connect with? Should we start a CICO sheet for them? What time of day would be best for them to have a job.

Steps to Starting Meaningful Work at your school: 1) Survey Staff: Solicit Ideas for Jobs, Volunteers 2) Choose a “Coordinator” of the program 3)Create a “team” if necessary 4)Develop paperwork/program outlines: -Job Descriptions, List of Supervisors, Information for Teachers, Letters to Parents, Procedures/forms for Referrals 5)Create a system to get students into program quickly, and review student data monthly. 6)Explain program and referral process to Faculty/Staff.

Meaningful Work Program Survey Faculty/Staff Survey Meaningful Work Program Survey NAME: _____________________________________ 1) Possible school–wide jobs are: Plant technician (waters plants), lunch clean-up, morning door duty, trimming box tops, morning greeter, recycling. *Do you have any other ideas for school-wide jobs?_______________________________________ *Do you have plants in your classrooms that students could water? YES NO 2) Are you willing to be a “supervisor”*? YES NO What are potential jobs in your room?________________________________________________ How many workers could you employ? _____________ *As a supervisor, your responsibilities will include interviewing the student, giving verbal feedback and training. Supervisors are also in charge of “paying” the student a token each day he/she successfully completes the job.) 3) Do you have any possible pay/reward ideas or any that you could donate:____________________ Thank you! We will follow-up with more information if you are willing to help with this program.

Contact Info: Christyn Denial, School Psychologist, Saranac Elementary School cdenial@saranac.org *Email if you would like this powerpoint and/or our forms emailed to you.