Behavior Specialist Spotlight

Summit Academy :: Columbus has a developmental guidance program for all students.

Behavioral guidance is made up of the following components:

1. Classroom social skills are based on the Summit Academy standards and student competencies. All students will receive weekly lessons throughout the school year. Lessons are based on student needs as determined by the classroom teacher and mentor. Classroom social skills may be led by the Behavior Specialist or the classroom mentor.

Instructional aids include:

Second Step Violence Prevention Curriculum (http://www.cfchildren.org)

Be Cool! Conflict Management (http://www.stanfield.com)

Conscious Discipline school family infrastructure (http://www.lovingguidance.com)

Lessons will include:

Elementary: Identifying feelings, developing social skills, problem solving skills, anger management and personal safety.

Intermediate: developing social skills, problem solving skills, anger management, leadership skills, personal hygiene and bully prevention.

Middle school: developing social skills, problem solving skills, anger management, leadership skills, personal hygiene and bully prevention.

High school: developing social skills, problem solving skills, anger management, leadership skills, personal hygiene, goal setting, smart dating and bully prevention.

2. Small Group social skills provides students who have behavioral goals clearly identified in their IEP an opportunity to learn a new way to behave. Topics discussed include: stress and anger management, handling loss, building friendships and strengthening social skills. Parental permission is required for small group counseling with the behavior specialist.

3. Crisis intervention and individual consultations are available to all students on a short-term basis according to needs. A referral to see the behavior specialist may be requested by a student, parent, teacher or administrator.

4. Consultation with all teachers are parents are available as needed. Appointments can be scheduled via e-mail or phone call. The counselor also serves on the Administrative Team and participates in PTST.

5. Parenting classes are offered throughout the year and are free of charge to Summit Academy parents. The classes are based on the Conscious Discipline philosophy. Call the school office for more details.