Creating a school-wide Check and Connect intervention program is like crafting a map for a treasure hunt. The treasure? Student engagement, success, and emotional well-being. The map? A comprehensive plan involving all teachers and staff to ensure every child is seen, heard, and supported. I’m passionate about this proactive intervention, and I have so many ideas on how we can create effective Check and Connect programs that makes every student feel valued, seen, and understood.
Understanding “Check and Connect”
Check and Connect is an evidence-based intervention strategy designed to enhance student engagement at school and with learning by fostering strong, supportive relationships between educators and students. Research suggests that when students feel connected to their school community, they are more likely to attend school regularly, achieve higher academically, and exhibit fewer behavioral problems (Christenson, S. L., & Anderson, A. R., 2002). Obviously we want this for kids!
Step 1: Build Your Team
The first step in creating a Check and Connect program is to assemble a team. This team should be diverse, including teachers from various subjects, counselors, administrators, janitorial staff, paraprofessionals, secretaries, anyone! The goal is to gather a variety of perspectives to ensure the program is comprehensive and inclusive. Diversity in your team also means a wider range of connections with students, crucial for the program’s success. Some positions at school are so jam packed with intervention schedules and duties that they can’t commit to the consistency that the program often requires. That’s why having a wide pool of participants is helpful.
Step 2: Train Your Team
Once your team is assembled, training is essential. The training should cover the basics of Check and Connect, including how to build trust with students, identify signs of disengagement, and maintain a positive relationship. It’s also vital to train team members on how to use empathy and active listening. Remember, the heart of Check and Connect”is the relationship between students and educators. As Christenson and Anderson (2002) highlight, the effectiveness of the program hinges on these connections.
Step 3: Identify Students
Using data is crucial in identifying which students might benefit most from Check and Connect. While relying on anecdotal evidence is incredibly powerful, numbers also don’t lie. Look at attendance records, behavior reports, and academic performance, too! Engage with teachers and staff to get their insights on students who might be struggling silently. These students often fly under the radar, not because they don’t need support, but because they haven’t yet been noticed.
Step 4: Personalize the Approach
Every student is unique, and their needs vary. Some might need academic support, while others might benefit from social-emotional learning strategies like Check and Connect. Personalizing the approach means sitting down with each student to understand their challenges, goals, and interests. The power in Check and Connect is how flexible and informal it can be. One child may really benefit from a daily check in at the same time everyday where they talk about how recess went. Another child may like a random pop in from their buddy a few times per week just to say hi and offer a high five. It’s about creating a plan that resonates with them personally. According to a study by Anderson, Christenson, Sinclair, & Lehr (2004), personalization can significantly enhance the impact of Check and Connect interventions. Whatever you do, do NOT underestimate the power of an intentional “hello”. Just a seemingly small gesture can really help a student feel connected, seen, and known within a school community.
Step 5: Monitor and Adjust
Continuous monitoring is key to the success of any intervention. Keep track of the students’ progress through the regular check-ins and adjust the intervention strategies as needed. This flexible approach ensures that the program remains responsive to each student’s evolving needs.
Step 6: Foster a School-Wide Culture of Connection
Finally, while Check and Connect starts as a targeted intervention, the ultimate goal is to foster a school-wide culture of connection. This means embedding the principles of Check and Connect into everyday practices. Encourage teachers to greet each student by name, celebrate successes, no matter how small, and show genuine interest in students’ lives outside of school.
Research and Real-World Application
Research consistently shows the effectiveness of Check and Connect in improving student outcomes. A study by Maynard, Kjellstrand, and Thompson (2013) found that related interventions could significantly reduce dropout rates and improve academic performance. But beyond the data, the real-world impact of Check and Connect can be seen in the stories of students who feel valued, understood, and supported.
Bringing it Together
Implementing a school-wide Check and Connect program is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires commitment, creativity, and a deep understanding of your students. But the rewards are immeasurable. By creating an environment where every student knows they matter, you’re not just improving educational outcomes; you’re changing lives.
The beauty of this is that it’s flexible, it’s easy, it’s customizable to the needs of both staff and kids. This can be implemented anywhere, regardless of your setting. Leave comments below with questions, barriers, and success stories. Let’s get these programs up and running!
Looking for ideas on small activities to engage in with students for check and connect? Try these!
