What are the Lincoln Public Schools Behavior Programs?

Lincoln Public Schools has three behavior programs:

Don D. Sherrill Education Center (DDSEC)
Pre-K through 5th grades
Principal: Cindy Vodicka
Location: 330 N. 56th Street
Has served 79 students throughout 2017-18 school year

Nuernberger Education Center (NEC)
6th through 8th grades
Principal: Jaime Boedeker
Location: 1801 S. 40th Street
Has served 73 students throughout the 2017-18 school year

Yankee Hill (YH)
9th through 12th grades
Principal:  Erik Witt
Location: 865 W. Burnham Street
Has served 80 students throughout the 2017-18 school year

Who does this program target?
Students who have significant behavioral issues that are not able to benefit from and are struggling in their home attendance school’s behavior programming.

How do students get to one these programs?
A process exists where the home attendance school works with the process staff to implement behavior specific strategies then collect data. If behavior doesn't improve the Individual Education Plan (IEP) team meets to determine if a placement at the behavior program will provide more support to the student.

What are the important components of  the settings?
Students walk in protocol (in a line with hands clasped behind their backs) with voices “off” for safety and structure; expectations called “norms” taught and practiced in the classroom, hallway, playground, other settings; students wear dress code; have three short assemblies each day to reset expectations; use seven levels of redirection; behavior is rated consistently and shared with students

What are the leadership opportunities for students?
All students earn ratings through their daily behavior data from concern, neutral, positive, positive observation, pledge, student government, and executive . After earning a leadership status (positive observation or above), students are able to redirect peers in a positive manner, and begin to facilitate the assembly process. Some students who have had significant behavioral issues in the past become strong leaders and assist peers in learning and maintaining positive behaviors.

Why do these programs “work”?
The students have consistent structure and know exactly what to expect. High expectations behaviorally and academically are key as well as learning and practicing appropriate behaviors. Staff are skilled and foster positive relationships with students. Relationship building between students and staff is very powerful in learning and maintaining behavior.

How are the programs funded?
The programs are funded by Lincoln Public Schools special education funds that include federal, state, and local monies.       

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