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Support Tools for Schools

To build a successful program you need the right tools. To support development of SFA programs in schools, we provide a series of specially developed tools designed to facilitate Social-Emotional development of students, Schoolwide Solutions Teams, provide ways to encourage parental and family involvement, and through computer-assisted programs.

Social-Emotional and Cognitive Development Tools

Getting Along Together is SFA’s kindergarten to Grade 8 social problem-solving process. At the elementary level, students learn to use cognitive and interpersonal skills that create the foundation for academic and lifelong learning. See a GAT video.

All staff members, including the principal and other administrators, are trained and involved in the GAT process.

At the middle school level, GAT is introduced early in the school year, teaching students to think critically, solve problems and work cooperatively. Through literature-based lessons introducing strategies for conflict resolution, teachers guide students in learning how to work together effectively. Throughout the year, student issues are addressed by setting expectations and rewarding positive peer interactions.

Click here for a sample GAT lesson.

At the beginning of each elementary and middle school year, the school and SFA work together to design a customized schoolwide behavior-management plan, based on discipline referrals, suspension records, teacher surveys and other particular requirements. The approach includes behavior-tracking mechanisms, proactive behavior management, workshops and end-of-year reviews.

Schoolwide Solutions Teams

True systemic change requires teamwork. Once targets have been established for student achievement, a school needs to set up teams representing all areas of its operation to develop ways of achieving them.

Member of the Schoolwide Solutions Teams participate in Success Network meetings at the end of each grading period and serve on at least one of the five Solutions teams:

  • Attendance
  • Interventions
  • Parent and Family Involvement
  • Community Connections
  • Cooperative Culture

Each of the five Success Network components includes essential initiatives – tools designed to provide structure and direction. All components and initiatives are covered in-depth during SFA training and can be reinforced and customized by a Leading for Success coach.

Parent and Family Involvement

Research shows time and again that children do better in school, and stick with it, when their family is involved. SFA tools help teachers establish productive relationships with students and their families. The parent-and-family involvement team, established as part of the Success Network, educates families about what is going on at school and creates partnerships with them to support learning.

Computer-Assisted Tutoring Tools

The best way to help students struggling with reading is through direct intervention – tutoring done in small groups or individually, depending on the severity of the need.

SFA uses highly engaging and proven effective computer-assisted tools to provide focused support to these student in small-group tutoring (tier2) and one-on-one (tier 3) sessions. The tutoring programs provide 20 minutes of intense, complete daily instruction that directly supports what the child is learning in class.

Team Alphie is an SFA tier 2 computer-assisted program that enables one tutor to work with up to eight students at a time, using computer games to master specific reading objectives. Click here for a demo.