Peer2Peer Improving school climate, increasing student achievement, reducing discipline referrals and preventing drop outs through peer mentoring By Stephanie Blundon Assistant Principal Brooke High School

County School District: Brooke County Schools Total Enrollment: 1156 students Grade Level: 9-12 and three preschool units Percent free and reduced price meals: 44% Percent minority enrollment: Less than 2% Mascot: The Bruin Colors: Green and Gold

Brooke High’s Mission Statement: To educate students to become problem solvers and responsible citizens.

School Climate Improving school climate is my mission for Brooke High School. Every student deserves the right to attend school in a safe environment conducive to learning. Survey of students in compliance with 4373 “Involving students and teachers in using school climate data is a powerful strategy for changing attitudes and therefore behavior.” Preble and Taylor ( )

I. Student/Teacher Relationships 85% of the students feel accepted. 96% of the students feel respected by teachers. Over 65% of students feel that students are disrespectful to staff members. Student Survey

I. Academics 78% felt staff works hard to help students. 68% feel lessons relate to real life. 77% feel students are challenged academically. Only 33% feel students are motivated to learn.

Student Survey Safety 91% feel safe at school. 71% feel bullying is a problem at BHS.

Student Survey Drugs and Alcohol 50% say marijuana and prescription drugs are easy to get at school. 55% have attended an underage drinking party within the last six months.

Performance/Achievement Targets Increase Graduation Rates from 90.3% to Maintain a 95% attendance rate Decrease discipline referrals. Increase student achievement in core subjects according to Increase WESTEST 2 data by 3% Researchers Preble and Taylor ( ) studied school culture by implementing a student-led action research process. It was reported that this program increased completion of classroom assignments, classroom behavior, school pride, school spirit, respect for others, self and property.

Solution: Peer2Peer Use a selection process to choose 11 th and 12 th grade students to serve as Bruin Leaders. Selection Process – An application with two teacher referrals. – Use a rubric which includes: grades, attendance, discipline referrals, application essay questions and teacher referrals.

Selected Applicants Attend a five day peer mentoring training Sign a No Alcohol and Drug Pledge Provide school/community service. Pairs of Bruin Leaders will be assigned a freshman or sophomore homeroom to mentor twice each week during the homeroom period.

1. Bruin leaders will make connections with underclassmen. "We recognize that adolescents will often choose to discuss their problems with a peer before an adult." (p. 33) Peer helpers are trained to give appropriate feedback and encouragement to help fellow students choose positive ways to take care of themselves. Gallaway and Gallenberger (1999)

2. Character Education Respect – Classroom Activities – Poster Contest Students should be treated with love and respect; helping them to respect and care about each other. Lickona (1993)

2. Character Education Anti-bullying – Classroom activities – Door Contest – Assembly – Petition Students must feel free from bullying and other conflict with peers in the school. American Psychological Association (2002)

2. Character Education Drug and Alcohol Abuse – Classroom Activities – School-wide demonstration Writing on a line wearing beer goggles. Self destructive behavior such as drug/alcohol abuse and violence are reduced when students feel valued and a sense of belonging to a learning community. Osterman (2000)

Additional Character Education topics to be covered… Persistance…Do your best! Freshman Transition to high school Ethics Integrity Career Readiness including work habits and goal setting.

Solution: Peer2Peer Bruin Leader Class Academic needs are addressed through peer tutoring in the Freshman Focus class or Stay for the Change after school Peer Mentoring Emotional needs will be met through positive peer mentors and their knowledge of the referral process. Character Education Climate needs will be addressed through character education taught by the student mentors in home room. Schools must actively work to "catch" students before they fail. Gallaway and Gallenberger (1999)

Solution: Peer2Peer We will add a peer mediation component. Students need to be taught skills to solve conflicts fairly and without force. Lickona (1993)

Materials/programs and/or resources: – DeMarco's Peer Helping Skills: A Handbook for Peer Helpers and Peer Tutors – Connect With Character: Character Counts – Toner's Substance Abuse Prevention: The Missing Pieces – Other on-line and community resources