Peer2Peer

Peer2Peer

Improving school climate, increasing student achievement, reducing discipline referrals and preventing drop outs through peer mentoring

ByStephanie BlundonAssistant PrincipalBrooke High School

Brooke High SchoolCounty School District: Brooke County SchoolsTotal Enrollment: 1156 studentsGrade Level:9-12 and three preschool unitsPercent free and reduced price meals: 44%Percent minority enrollment: Less than 2%Mascot: The BruinColors: Green and Gold

Brooke High School was built in 1970 in the second most northern county in the state. What was once athriving industrial community where good jobs in steel mills and coal mines were commonplace is now a community of high unemployment rates, empty buildings and dilapidated housing.The initial enrollment of Brooke High was around 2,000 students with approximately 500 in every graduating class.Today, the steel millsemploy a small fraction of the people they once did and the population hasdwindled as graduates moved elsewhere to find employment. It is fully accredited by the WV State Board of Education and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.Brooke County students have earned much recognition throughout the state including 17 state of WV athletic championships in the areas of baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football and wrestling.

2Brooke Highs Mission Statement:

To educate students to become problem solvers and responsible citizens.

School ClimateImproving 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 (2008-2009)

Our stories: Me, Jeff, Jamie4

I. Student/Teacher Relationships

85% of the students feel accepted.

96% of the students feelrespected by teachers.

Over 65% of students feel that students are disrespectful to staff members.

Student Survey

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 SurveySafety

91% feel safe at school.

71% feel bullying is a problem at BHS.

Student SurveyDrugs 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 TargetsIncrease Graduation Rates from 90.3% to 93.35Maintain a 95% attendance rateDecrease discipline referrals.Increase student achievement in core subjects according to Increase WESTEST 2 data by 3%

Researchers Preble and Taylor (2008-2009) 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: Peer2Peer2012-2013Use a selection process to choose 11th and 12th grade students to serve as Bruin Leaders.

Selection ProcessAn application with two teacher referrals.Use a rubric which includes: grades, attendance, discipline referrals,application essay questions and teacher referrals.

Selected ApplicantsAttend a five day peer mentoring training

Sign a No Alcohol and Drug Pledge

Provide school/community service.

Pairs of Bruin Leaders will beassigned 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 EducationRespectClassroom ActivitiesPoster Contest

Students should be treated with love and respect; helping them to respect and care about each other. Lickona (1993)

2. Character EducationAnti-bullyingClassroom activitiesDoor ContestAssemblyPetition

Students must feel free from bullying and other conflict with peers in the school.American Psychological Association (2002)

2. Character EducationDrug and Alcohol AbuseClassroom ActivitiesSchool-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 coveredPersistanceDo your best!

Freshman Transition to high school

Ethics

Integrity

Career Readiness including work habits and goal setting.

Solution: Peer2Peer2013-2014Bruin Leader ClassAcademic needs are addressed through peer tutoring in the Freshman Focus class or Stay for the Change after school

Peer MentoringEmotional needs will be met through positive peer mentors and their knowledge of the referral process.

Character EducationClimate 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)

For the 2013-2014 school year we plan to expand our program by offering a "for credit" class for freshman and bruin leaders which includes peer tutoring component. Climate needs will be addressed through character education taught by the student mentors in home room. Academic needs are addressed through peer tutoring in the Freshman Focus class or Stay for the Change after school program. Emotional needs will be met through positive peer mentors and their knowledge of the referral process.17Solution: Peer2Peer2014-2015We 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 TutorsConnect With Character: Character CountsToner's Substance Abuse Prevention: The Missing PiecesOther on-line and communityresources