Developing Our Virtues Every Day
Developing a culture of character is the goal of D.O.V.E., ACCLAIM Academy's school-wide virtues-based discipline program. By using three strategies - speaking the language of the virtues, recognizing teachable moments, and setting clear boundaries - the integrity of the school environment is maintained, students are empowered, and staff are respected, supported and able to focus on excellence.
The way the rules are stated reflects the focus on virtues:
~ Everyone is responsible for respecting the learning and safety of others.
~ Do what is expected, and do the best you can. (purposefulness and excellence)
Throughout the day, students are held to this level of accountability. If they choose not to honor it, they receive a consequence - not a punishment:
~ If they choose to interfere with the learning environment, they go to Step 1 which is removal from the group (sit at the back of the room, but still face the instructional area), are told what they did and what virtue they need to focus on .
~ Example: Joseph, please go to Step 1 for talking while I'm talking and think about consideration.
After 2-3 minutes, the teacher goes to the student and asks him why he is on Step 1, what virtue he will work on, and if he needs more time. If all is well, he returns to his seat. If he needs more time, more is given.
~ If the student does not do Step 1 appropriately, he goes to Step 2.
Example: Joseph, you are now on Step 2 for talking to another student while you are on Step 1. Please stand, face the wall and think about respect.
After 2-3 minutes, the same procedure is followed as above. If all is well, he goes back to Step 1. The procedure is then repeated for him to go back to his seat.
~ If the student does not do Step 2 correctly, he goes to Step 3 which is taking a Step 3 form to the D.O.V.E. room.
Example: Joseph, you are now on Step 3 for kicking the wall while on Step 2. Please go to the D.O.V.E. room and write about self discipline. I hope you make a better choice next time.
The student must make an amends to the Teacher before returning to class.
~ Serious infractions of the rules result in the student being placed on Step 4 or 5, and having either in-school or off-campus suspension until the parent comes to the school for a conference. At this conference, the student takes responsibility for what he/she did. Depending on the situation, time may also be taken to establish a discipline plan for school or home which also addresses virtues needing attention. In extreme cases, the student may need to appear before the Governing Board to have the above discussion before returning to campus.
In the D.O.V.E. Room, students may watch a virtues video, consult with the D.O.V.E. coordinator or a school administrator, and/or read about the relevant virtues. He then has a writing assignment which includes making an amends to the Teacher.
If students are not doing the best they can (example: doodling, sleeping, reading other material, not bringing in homework, not following the Dress Code, arriving tardy) but are not interfering with other students' learning, they do not go on Step, but rather reflect this behavior in their planers.
But more important than that, the success of the program depends on Teachers following the Virtues Strategies: speaking the language of the virtues to acknowledge, guide and correct; setting clear boundaries and consistently enforcing them - creating a safe haven for learning and establishing restorative justice; and recognizing teachable moments - by using virtues not labels and being conscience makers, not conscience breakers.
The impact of a teacher's - or other staff member's - integrity in living by and sincerely modeling the virtues has even more effect than the words we use. By weaving these strategies together with the discipline program and excellent instruction, the cultural fabric created in the school will be one of honor, peace, and excellence.
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MISSION: We are a team committed to excellence. In a safe learning community rich in the arts, sciences, and languages, we are dedicated to developing nobility of character, cultivating academic success, honoring diversity, and promoting physical and environmental responsibility.
