Meaningful Work A Targeted PBIS Program

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Meaningful Work A Targeted PBIS Program

• Adapted from Meaningful Work Powerpoint by
  Michele Kelk, Ph.D.
• By Christyn Denial, School Psychologist, Saranac
  Elementary School

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What is Meaningful Work?

• Meaningful Work is a Targeted Program that many
  PBIS schools are using.
• Students are placed in a job in their school,
  where they have a supervisor (usually not their
  teacher), and they perform work that is
  meaningful to them and the school. Ideally,
  students receive job training and feedback on
  their performance.

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Why should we do Meaningful Work in our school?

• It provides additional support for students who
  exhibit difficulties despite universal supports.
• It can be used for students who have CICO or
  Check and Connect, but arent responding.
• It helps students connect with others and gives
  them a sense or purpose and belonging.
• Gives students a chance to excel in an area in
  school on a regular basis.

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What types of students?

• Attendance Problems
• Academic Problems
• Behavioral Problems
• Disengaged from School Activities
• If a student has this mix of problems, Meaningful
  Work will be most effective.

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For Whom is Meaningful Work Appropriate?

• Appropriate
• -Quiet, withdrawn
• -Low level behaviors
• -3-5 referrals
• -Behavior in multiple locations
• (Function of behavior escape/avoid and/or adult
  attention)

• Inappropriate
• -Serious violent behaviors
• -Chronic behaviors
• -8-10 Referrals
• -Requires more individualized support (Intensive)

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How does Meaningful Work provide a Connection for
students?

• Provides opportunity for active involvement, so
  they become contributing members to the school.
• Provides opportunity to develop skills to make
  them better workers/employees.
• They are recognized for their contribution.
• They have a positive interaction with an adult
  (their supervisor) daily.

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Entry into Meaningful Work

• Data Sources
• Multiple office referrals
• Attendance Data (many absences/tardies)
• Low work/homework completion
• Rating Scales
• Other screeners
• Referral Sources
• -Parent, Teacher,Targeted Team, Student

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Possible Jobs

• Plant Technician
• Morning Greeter
• Energy Efficiency Manager (Door Duty)
• Box Top Manager
• Reading Buddy
• Tray Technician
• Folder Clerk
• Study Buddy
• Lunch Clean-up
• Teacher/Office Assistant

• Bus Line Cone Manager
• Advice Column Editor
• Soup Label Manager
• Recycle Technician
• Coffee Cup Manager
• (collector)
• Homework Assistant
• Recess Equipment Manager

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Daily Procedures

• If applicable, student receives CICO sheet from
  teacher, and begins to complete it throughout the
  day.
• Student leaves classroom (with CICO sheet) for
  job.
• Student picks up badge.
• Student reports to job/supervisor and works.
• Supervisor reviews students daily sheet with the
  student (and adds a rating for job performance).
• Student receives feedback on job performance.
  Pay, if any, is given.
• Teacher finishes completing students daily
  sheet.
• End of Day Student Checks in with Supervisor.
• Copy of Sheet goes home.
• Data is kept by Supervisor and reviewed monthly
  with team/teacher.

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Questions to ask?
Student Questions
School-Wide Questions

• Should we do a job interview/application?
• Should we make badges?
• Should we pay?
• Should we have an Employee of the Month?
• How do students graduate from MW?
• Should we have student staff meetings?

• What are the students strengths and interests?
• Who do they connect with?
• Should we start a CICO sheet for them?
• What time of day would be best for them to have a
  job.

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Steps to Starting Meaningful Work at your school

• 1) Survey Staff Solicit Ideas for Jobs,
  Volunteers
• 2) Choose a Coordinator of the program
• 3)Create a team if necessary
• 4)Develop paperwork/program outlines
• -Job Descriptions, List of Supervisors,
  Information for Teachers, Letters to Parents,
  Procedures/forms for Referrals
• 5)Create a system to get students into program
  quickly, and review student data monthly.
• 6)Explain program and referral process to
  Faculty/Staff.

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Faculty/Staff Survey
Meaningful Work Program Survey NAME
_____________________________________ 1)
Possible schoolwide jobs are Plant technician
(waters plants), lunch clean-up, morning door
duty, trimming box tops, morning greeter,
recycling. Do you have any other ideas for
school-wide jobs?________________________________
_______ Do you have plants in your classrooms
that students could water? YES
NO 2) Are you willing to be a supervisor?
YES NO What
are potential jobs in your room?__________________
______________________________ How many workers
could you employ? _____________ As a
supervisor, your responsibilities will include
interviewing the student, giving verbal feedback
and training. Supervisors are also in charge of
paying the student a token each day he/she
successfully completes the job.) 3) Do you
have any possible pay/reward ideas or any that
you could donate____________________ Thank you!
We will follow-up with more information if you
are willing to help with this program.
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Contact Info

• Christyn Denial, School Psychologist, Saranac
  Elementary School
• cdenial_at_saranac.org
• Email if you would like this powerpoint and/or
  our forms emailed to you.