Secure Sponsorship and Buy-in
After the Purchase: More Ways to Gain Buy-in
Many schools purchase a program with the best of intentions, only to find that curriculum kits sit on the shelves collecting dust in some classrooms. This is usually due to a lack of buy-in from staff who are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work they already have on their plates. The good news is that social and emotional skills can help children do better academically and reduce problem behaviors that take time away from teaching.
Here are some ideas for increasing buy-in by helping teachers understand how they can help children, and themselves.
Create Information Packets
Spell out how the program supports academic and character education initiatives. Make copies of the following brochures to create information packets:
SECOND STEP: Elementary Brochure (PDF)
SECOND STEP: Middle School Brochure (PDF)
STEPS TO RESPECT Brochure (PDF)
TALKING ABOUT TOUCHING Brochure(PDF)
WOVEN WORD Brochure (PDF)
Conduct a Pilot of the Program
Set up a pilot in one class, grade, or school. Allow teachers to record examples of behaviors and classroom conditions that they are hoping to address through the program. After program implementation, discuss how students are demonstrating new social-emotional skills. Compile the notes and present them to your school or district staff. Consider using assessment tools as part of the pilot to measure for more specific indicators of change.
Facilitate a Brainstorm Session
Center the brainstorm on disruptive behaviors and social skills. Break into grade-level groups. And make a list of five disruptive or challenging behaviors teachers deal with on a regular basis and skills teachers would to see students learn. Then distribute the appropriate grade-level Scope and Sequence to each group. Continue the brainstorm by having groups talk about how the curriculum might address these skills and behaviors.
Present a Classroom Lesson
Show teachers how the curriculum "looks." Break up into grade-level groups if possible. If you're working with a mixed grade-level group, choose a lesson in the middle. Lessons with problem-solving activities and/or role-plays work well; they give teachers a sense of the types of skills children learn and practice. Consider having a staff member who is highly respected by staff present the lesson. Positive encouragement by a trusted peer will inspire others.
Host a Program Screening
Introduce staff to the program by taking them on a tour through a CD-ROM preview. You can project the preview onto a screen, like you would a PowerPoint presentation. Let staff get their hands on curriculum materials too. An informal get-together can spark interest in the program. Make sure you serve plenty of popcorn!
Invite a Local Program Advocate
Invite teachers or administrators from another school or district who are sold on the program to address your staff. Ask them to talk about successes with the program, any implementation challenges they encountered, and how they overcame them. Enthusiasm is contagious, and staff might appreciate an outside opinion.