As a means to build statewide capacity, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) is supporting the training of 35 trainers in the Safe & Civil School’s CHAMPS and Discipline in the Secondary Classroom (DSC) programs. The goal of this effort is to identify, train and provide ongoing support to 35 individuals who will be available to provide training on a contractual basis to school districts and buildings across the state.
Purpose and Goals of CHAMPS
CHAMPS and Discipline in the Secondary Classroom (DSC) are programs that assist classroom teachers in designing (or fine turning) a proactive and positive classroom management plan that will overtly teach students how to behave responsibly. Together these two programs provide age-appropriate strategies and techniques for elementary through high school.
CHAMPS and DSC strategies are easy to implement and will:
- Reduce classroom disruptions and office referrals
- Improve classroom climate
- Increase student on-task behavior
- Establish respectful and civil interactions
Key Benefits
- Teachers establish clear expectations with logical and fair responses to misbehavior.
- Teachers spend less time disciplining and more time teaching.
- Teachers learn tools to motivate students to do their best.
- Students are taught how to behave responsibly.
PHILOSOPHY
- All students must be treated with dignity and respect.
- Students should be taught skills and behaviors necessary for success.
- Motivation and responsibility should be encouraged through positive interactions and building relationships with students.
- Student misbehavior represents a teaching opportunity.
COST
KSDE TASN will provide selected trainers the training and all presenter materials. The agency/selected trainer will be responsible for travel, lodging and associated costs of participating in the trainings.
Application Process
- Due: Submit Trainer Application for Kansas CHAMPS and Discipline in the Secondary Classroom by June 20, 2014
- Notification: Selected applicants will be notified by July 1, 2014
Final selection of will be made from applicants received by June 20, 2014 by KSDE TASN to best meet the need for statewide training availability and expertise.
Training Process of Kansas CHAMPS and Discipline in the Secondary Classroom Trainers
Upon completion of the TOT provided by the National Safe & Civil School’s, the individuals will be certified by Safe & Civil School’s to provide training in both CHAMPS and Discipline in the Secondary Classroom providing training appropriate both the elementary and secondary levels. Selected trainers will complete the following steps to be certified by Safe & Civil Schools as a ‘Kansas CHAMPS and DSC Trainer’:
- Attend all CHAMPS and DSC Trainer of Trainers (TOT) sessions, at which the content and process of using the presenters’ materials are reviewed in detail. This training will be presented by a National CHAMPS and DSC Trainer through Safe & Civil Schools. The training location will be in the central region of Kansas on the dates listed below.
- Initial Training – September 16-18, 2014
- Follow-Up Training #1 – November 5, 2014
- Follow-Up Training #2 – March 11, 2015
- Two webinars – dates & times to be determined
- Kansas CHAMPS and DSC Trainers will provide evidence of successful implementation of CHAMPS and DSC training through evaluation forms or other references provided to KSDE TASN and Safe & Civil Schools.
- Sign an annual letter of commitment to Safe & Civil Schools to uphold standards of quality and fidelity of CHAMPS and DSC.
- After initial training year, annually participate in 2 days of professional learning organized by KSDE TASN and Safe and Civil Schools.
Recommended Qualifications and Expectations for Kansas CHAMPS Trainers
Experience: Experience as a classroom teacher, working with students with significant behavior challenges, or supporting the implementation of schoolwide/classwide positive behavior supports or classroom management.
Professional knowledge. Professional knowledge and experience of research, instruction in behavior and classroom management, including knowledge of a behavior-analytic approach toward thinking about behavior is very helpful. It is desirable for the prospective trainer to have knowledge of or experience with one or more evidence-based behavior support approaches such as positive behavior supports, CHAMPS or Discipline in the Secondary Classroom.
Presentation abilities. Knowledge of and experience with presentation skills and adult learning principles is essential. If the candidate is lacking in experience, the candidate should be willing to co-teach with several competent presenters until presentation skills are honed. This includes the ability to answer questions in a way that links to, but is not limited to, CHAMPS and DSC as well as an ability to help people explore their own solutions in a socratic type manner.
Interpersonal skills. Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills are essential including an upbeat, optimistic disposition conveying hope. CHAMPS and DSC trainings are interactive. The presentations are structured but not scripted. The ability to consider and to provide appropriate responses to questions and other requests in various types of settings is a critical characteristic of a CHAMPS and DSC trainer. The ability to interact positively with diverse individuals and diverse school cultures is a professional quality that must be demonstrated including an ability to empathize with the challenges and pressures teachers face daily. |
