Somers Middle School

PACE-

            Practice-          Activity-          Choice-            Enrichment-

Factors that are contributing to students not reaching their potential

            Missing Assignments

            Not making up work from absences

            Needing more time for individual help

            Lack of opportunity for immediate help

Goal: Support and reward students; improve School Culture

Two Purposes:

1. Support students academically – immediately

2. Motivate students to do their best - consistently

Support…

Support Students Academically – as soon as they need it.

Provide specific and timely support Within the school day

Provide opportunity for students to redo work, make up work, receive tutoring and intervention Beforeinstruction moves on to other topics

Support provided by subject area teachers

Motivate…

Motivate Students to do their best - consistently

–     Motivate students by offering immediate and developmentally relevant Rewards

–     Rewards include fun, attractive activities that allow opportunities to interact with peers –i.e., basketball, foosball, movies, walking

–     Include opportunities to select artistic or intellectually engaging activities –i.e., chess, quiz bowl, research, quiet time

PACE: 4 Categories of Students 

#1 Don’t need support

•       Intent: Reward and Choice

•      Message: hard work pays off

•      Students are rewarded on a daily basis

•      Students are allowed to make choices about one small part of their school day

 #2 Need Occasional Support

•      Intent: Support and Pressure

•      Message: aim high, don’t ride the fence

•      Students receive immediate and meaningful support

•      Prevent students from falling behind and establishing a pattern

#3 Need Frequent Support

•       Intent: Immediate, relevant intervention

•      Message: You are not alone; can be successful

•      Students provided immediate intervention about concepts they find challenging

•      Focused support everyday

•      Get Kids on a “Winning Streak”

#4 Need Support but Openly Refuse it

•       Intent: Apply consistent pressure; make it hard to fail

•      Message: “We won’t give up on you”; failure not an option

•      Students are provided on-going, targeted supports and interventions

•      Interventions address skill deficits

Why are students sent to Practice?

·         Missing assignments

·         Failed test (for practice and an opportunity to redo)

·         Absent

·         Confused

·         Prior to a test for studying

·         After a formative assessment

·         To redo a poorly done or incomplete assignments/homework

Why does Practice work?

1. Immediately supports students to achieve academically

2. Consistently motivates students to achieve academically

What Does Practice Time Look Like for the Teacher?

Walking around monitoring students working

Teaching a small group or individual

Reinforcing skills and concepts

Encouraging productive work

What Does Practice Time Look Like for the Student?

Arriving on time

Doing your best

Showing a positive mindset

Asking for help

Being prepared to stay in the practice room for the whole period