Learning Environment & Engagement

Check & Connect  

Check & Connect is an intervention used with K-12 students who show warning signs of disengagement with school and who are at risk of dropping out. At the core of Check & Connect is a trusting relationship between the student and a caring, trained mentor who both advocates for and challenges the student to keep education salient. Students are referred to Check & Connect when they show warning signs of disengaging from school, such as poor attendance, behavioral issues, and/or low grades.
 

De-escalation Project  

De-escalation training teaches people how to use communication and body language to prevent situations from escalating into violence. Training can cover all aspects of an interaction, from initial contact to debriefing after the incident. The goal is to prepare people to reduce challenging behaviors, such as anger, shouting, and threats, before verbal and physical aggression.  
 

Restorative Practice  

Building and strengthening relationships and community is a critical component of school culture. Restorative practices is an essential process for creating a positive learning environment, building social capital, and resolving relational issues. 
Fundamentals of Restorative Practice  
Circles  
Restorative Conferencing 
 

Functional Behavioral Assessment and Positive Behavior Support Plans 

Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is a student-centered team process used in instances when behavior negatively impacts a student’s learning or that of the student’s peers. 
 

Positive Behavior Support Classrooms High -Yield Strategies for Teachers  

There is a strong research base for practices associated with Positive Classroom Behavior Supports (PCBS).  Much of this information can be found in the Center on PBIS publications from the classroom section.   

 

RENEW  

RENEW™ is a structured school-to-career transition planning and individualized wraparound process for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges. Developed in 1996 by staff at the Institute on Disability (IOD), RENEW™ is being provided by schools, community mental health centers, community-based providers, and IOD staff members to youth. The model focuses on supporting each youth to design and pursue a plan for the transition from school to adult life. RENEW™ has substantially increased the high school completion, employment, and post-secondary education participation rates among our most vulnerable youth. 
 

School-wide Information System (SWIS) Facilitator Certification 

This training prepares participants to support schools through the process of becoming SWIS ready, submitting necessary account paperwork, conducting the initial training, as well as providing on-going support to schools. Participants will learn how to use SWIS to assist with internal decision making as schools improve their discipline practices; support plan design with individual students and their families; report to district, state and federal agencies about school outcomes; and collect aggregated data across schools. 
 

Quality Indicators Emotional Support Services and Programs   

The Quality Indicators of Emotional Support Services and Programs (QIESSP) enables local education agencies (LEAs) to examine the programs and services offered to students with emotional support needs.  
 

Youth Mental Health First Aide  

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people.