HAWTHORN ACADEMY SOUTH JORDAN

SELF-REPORTED INDICATORS

Schools may choose to describe up to two additional pieces of information about how their school is supporting students. These self-reported indicators are not factored into school accountability calculations but provide the opportunity for schools to highlight successful programs or practices in addition to the indicators included in school accountability.

SCHOOL-LEVEL FACTORS

Positive Behavior Intervention and Support System

Hawthorn Academy (HA) has implemented a positive behavior intervention and support system (PBIS). PBIS is a behavior support system using proactive strategies for defining, recognizing, and supporting positive student behavior. HA has created a schoolwide discipline policy that defines school rules and expectations throughout the school. HA implements essential principles outlined by PBIS including: 1. Every child can learn proper behavior. 2. Proactively addressing problems early. 3. Each child is different, requiring multiple strategies of behavioral support. 4. Reviewing expectations is an essential part of Hawthorn’s PBIS system. HA has policies and procedures in place to proactively address behavior issues that are reviewed regularly to address concerns and adjust as needed. While established rules and procedures are essential, HA seeks to focus on recognizing positive behavior. Teachers recognize students when they are following rules and/or exhibiting positive social traits identified through our IB program. Selected students are given a chance to spend time with admin to be recognized for their positive behavior. Since implementation of PBIS at HA, major behavior incidents have dropped significantly. Severity of major incidents have also decreased. Successful implementation of PBIS has helped HA greatly improve student academic and personal success.


SCHOOL-LEVEL FACTORS

IB and Inquiry Based Learning

At Hawthorn Academy, we use the International Baccalaureate (IB) program to help students become international thinkers. We strive to help students become lifelong learners who take responsibility for themselves and the world around them Each grade, K-5 has six units of inquiry designed collaboratively by teachers to include multiple subjects taught. Inquiry is an integral part of the IB program, and focuses on using inquiry to drive instruction and engagement. Teachers develop lessons that use a child's innate curiosity by encouraging them to ask questions, then work to find answers and solutions themselves. We believe inquiry helps our students develop problem¬ solving skills that will serve them throughout their lives. As part of our school-wide emphasis on inquiry, Hawthorn Academy has built a STEM community among our teachers. Teachers collaborate across grades K - 9 to build lesson plans that use technology to engage students, build lessons on all grade and instructional levels. Students become comfortable using a myriad of technology such as VR headsets, ozobots, sphero, and many more. Students are able to use technology in a variety of subject areas, giving the tech a different purpose every time a student uses it.