Stars for Students Connection Program

How did one Arizona school move its teachers and students to greatness?  The prescription is simple…by having high expectations, a positive school culture, and a personalized approach that motivates students.  After conducting perception surveys, the school developed the “Stars for Students Connection Program” that improved the school’s culture ultimately impacting student achievement.

Building positive relationships with ALL students is the key to success.  The staff received training on building connections with students.  Connecting with students includes having meaningful conversations with student and getting to know them on a personal level.  Next, staff members are encouraged to listen first, and to seek to understand before being understood.  Other strategies for building connections include teachers welcoming students at the door or eating lunch together in the cafeteria.  Staff are asked to make two positive connections each week with students…and yes, they keep score!

To encourage participation, have a method of accountability, and instill a bit of competition, the staff created a scoreboard that is posted in the staff lounge.  Every student has a scorecard, and each time a teacher makes a connection with a student, a star is posted on the scorecard.  Teachers meet on a weekly basis to discuss how each team is making connections and what they need to do differently to hit their marks.

After the implementation of this program, students’ perception of the school climate and culture had improved; and in 2014, Benson High School was named as one of the best high schools in the country by U.S. News and World Report, it was given a National Model School designation by the International Center for Leadership in Education, and it was named an A+ School of Excellence by the Arizona Educational Foundation.

Linda Jeffries
Alhambra Elementary School District