How Prescott Behaves...

Steps to Success brings Order, Safety, and Support to the Learning Environment

Video Camera and Still Images by Gary Olsen, Video Topic Developed by Paula Bauman

his is a unique and insightful look into how we are positively motivating behavior in the Dubuque School District. This is one school, Prescott, but the program, called Steps to Success, is in several of our schools and has been at our core culture for at least five years. It's really simple to understand. You give children a small easy-to-remember and manageable list of expectations tied to solid values that promotes a caring, supportive society that extends beyond the boundaries of school.

These values include "I will care for myself and others," "I will care for property," "I will be safe," "I will do my best," "I will build community." Teachers and staff back up these values by providing lessons in verse and songs that promote positive social skills. "It's important we establish these positive social skills before learning can actually take place," adds Paula Bauman who developed this video to send home to parents to share the school's philosophy and garner parental support for the program.

Also, the entire staff, from teachers to associates, professionals to custodians and volunteers in the building, continuously provide clear concise instructions (called procedures) for seemingly routine tasks in the classroom, common areas, and playground, which support correct behavior and praises students when they do the right things.

Watch this 17 minute video that best illustrates the program. It stars the students, teachers, staff and parents of Prescott Elementary.