Kansas City Schools Accentuate the Positive: Stop Name-Calling Kamaron® Institute KC3™ Anti-Bullying Program Cuts Name-Calling in Half
Teachers and bus drivers in four Kansas City area schools are trying something new to improve student behavior and promote bus safety: positive labels. And it’s been working – name-calling and distractions decrease by more than 50%, kindness and cooperation doubles.
(PRWEB) January 28, 2005 -- Teachers and bus drivers in four Kansas City area
schools are trying something new to improve student behavior and promote bus
safety: positive labels. And it’s been working – name-calling and distractions
decrease by more than 50%, kindness and cooperation doubles. Most teachers and
bus drivers report a significant increase in job satisfaction. School
administrators and transportation directors benefit from a happier staff. Fewer
distractions translate to more quality teaching time and safer buses.
"We
are delighted to be the first school system in Missouri to pilot the KC3
Positive Label Program," says Kendra Johnson, Associate Superintendent North
Kansas City Schools. "This program provides an opportunity for teachers,
counselors, bus drivers, administrators and staff to participate in a structured
program to increase positive interactions with students." The schools
participating in the program are Winnwood, West Englewood, Gracemor, and
Chouteau.
"Fewer name-calling distractions allow drivers to focus on
driving, providing a safer ride for students," explains Shirley Patrick,
Assistant Director of Transportation. Patrick continues, "The KC3 program brings
positive continuity between bus and classroom, helping us move forward with a
common goal."
"We are excited because not only will the program help
with bus behavior, but it should help school-wide. With increased kindness and
cooperation, more time can be devoted to instruction," says Sara Cocolis,
Principal, Winnwood Elementary. "It’s a nice fit with our BIST management
program, our focus on character education and life skills."
The KC3
Positive Label Program, created by Margaret Ross and offered through the Kamaron
Institute, is designed to teach children that words are powerful tools that can
have either a positive or negative effect. KC3 stands for Kamaron Concept Three,
which states, "Labels Changes Lives," and is the program motto. The heart of the
program centers on the first of Ross’s three "Casey" books, "Casey and the
Amazing, Giant, Green Shirt".
"It’s a positive process," explains Kamaron
Institute President, Margaret Ross. "Pre-surveys are conducted to establish
baseline behaviors. During the six week certification process, school staff and
drivers conduct a minimum of three activities a week using the program tools and
training. Post-survey measures behavior change. Monthly booster activities
support behavior change," adds Ross.
The KC3 Positive Label Program is
an official character education resource of the National Museum of Patriotism.
For more information visit Kamaron.org (www.kamaron.org).
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/1/prweb202065.htm