Real-Life Project 1: Disciplinary Referral Form can Take Away from Teaching if Not Implemented Correctly

Effective behavior management is essential for creating a conducive learning environment in all classroom settings, regardless of the grade level. During my previous position, student write-up monitoring emerged as a significant concern. This report aims to propose a more efficient and user-friendly solution to streamline behavior management documentation and improve the tracking of student behavior incidents. To improve efficiency, the administration introduced Google Forms for documentation purposes. However, we encountered an issue with the length of the form, which was time-consuming for teachers. Consequently, educators often only complete the form at the end of the day, prioritizing teaching responsibilities over administrative tasks. This delay not only disrupted the tracking of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) data but also compromised the effectiveness of behavior management strategies.

The challenges posed by the cumbersome form highlighted the importance of balancing administrative duties with instructional obligations. It emphasized the necessity of a more streamlined approach to behavior management documentation to ensure prompt and accurate tracking of student behavior incidents. By addressing these obstacles and optimizing the process, educators can dedicate more time and effort to cultivating a positive classroom atmosphere and supporting students in their social and emotional growth.

In response to the challenges associated with the current behavioral write-up process, I proactively undertook measures to address the issue by conducting a thorough needs assessment focused on documentation. The evaluation revealed that the complexity of the Google Form was a common obstacle, leading to incomplete submissions due to forgetfulness or time constraints experienced by multiple individuals. 

During the needs assessment phase, I identified a promising alternative solution known for its efficiency and user-friendly interface. This solution involved a different platform that offered a more streamlined approach to gathering behavioral data. Unlike the previous method, Jot Form featured user-friendly drop-down menus that simplified data entry and enhanced the overall user experience. The new system was designed with the user in mind, making it easy and intuitive to use. Additionally, the system was designed to automatically compile and organize data submissions, providing a comprehensive overview after each submission. By utilizing this innovative tool in Jot Form, not only was the issue of form completion resolved, but it also facilitated a more effective and efficient process for documenting behavioral incidents. The integration of this new system not only addressed previous challenges but also promoted a more streamlined and productive workflow within the organization.

Old Form:

Findings from the Needs Assessment indicate that there is a consensus among all teachers regarding the inefficiency of the previous form (Google Form), citing prolonged completion time and difficulties in tracking and printing information. To further investigate this matter, a brief survey was conducted using Google Forms, with a single question inquiring about the time required to complete the Disciplinary Referral form. Out of the 20 teachers surveyed, 16 staff members responded affirmatively to perceiving the form as time-consuming.

Upon gathering input from all staff members, it became apparent that a significant common issue exists that is being experienced by everyone, yet no one is forthcoming with this information to the administration. The underlying reasons for this reluctance remain unclear, but I am committed to supporting all my coworkers in addressing this matter.

Needs Assessment:

The revised form has been generated using the JotForm website, known for its user-friendly interface and diverse input options. It can be conveniently accessed through the website or a mobile application. Transitioning from the old form to the new one was done to maintain consistency in the questions and data tracking. The modifications primarily focused on formatting, graphics, and applications, while the content itself remained unchanged. This approach ensured that users would encounter no confusion in completing the form, as the information requested remained consistent throughout.

Following feedback from several colleagues, I have received positive responses and expressions of enthusiasm. There have been no objections or suggestions for alterations. The graphics have significantly improved compared to the previous version, while the information has remained consistent with the original form.

New Updated Form

Subsequently, it is imperative to convene with the administration to articulate the feedback provided by colleagues. The enthusiasm demonstrated by coworkers is anticipated to validate the required modifications. Furthermore, outlining the specific information or data that can be collected is expected to garner the administration's support for the essential changes.