For
educators to create safe and effective learning environments they
should adopt a problem-solving process to promote desired change
and collaboration. A problem-solving team approach provides a
framework to develop a common vision among educators and parents.
Common vision and shared problem-solving are two characteristics
of effective schools. The presence of these characteristics increases
the likelihood that schools will develop discipline plans that
are both inclusive and proactive. With a shared vision in place,
team members can begin the process of identifying and addressing
the conditions that are counter to student learning and social
growth. Importantly, collaboration among team members is essential
to institutionalizing practices that are sensitive to the needs
of students and families. The result is the development of school
structures and supports that everyone understands and that promote
school-wide social competence in all students.
In
the paragraphs that follow, the stages needed to implement schoolwide
and individual supports that promote students' social competence
are provided. In fact, the process used to develop schoolwide
supports and those used to develop individualized supports are
generally analogous. Table 1 summarizes and highlights the similarities
between these two processes.
