A Cobb high school gets results using ‘good’ behavior referrals

McEachern student Naomi Montez reacts to the positive behavior referral her teacher gave her. Assistant Principal Dan Torrenti broke the news to her. At McEachern High, teachers can change their approach to discipline by writing kids up for positive behaviors. (Kaitlin Kolarik/For WABE)

Kaitlin Kolarik/For WABE

Getting in trouble at school isn’t any fun, especially if it ends in detention or a suspension. According to research, those punishments don’t improve students’ behavior.

At McEachern High School in the Cobb County School District, teachers have the option to change their approach to discipline by writing kids up for positive behaviors instead of just focusing on negative ones.

The Evolution Of An Idea

The idea started with a teacher, Dr. Matthew Lawrence, who teaches economics and history.