Outstanding You

Student Contributor: A. Lester
An Outstanding You is given to students mostly by teachers for good behavior, doing great on an assignment, being helpful, or anything that ties back to the school motto of being Responsible, Respectful, and Safe. They can then be used in different ways depending on the teacher/classroom. These are helpful because students know the ways in order to earn them, so they want to be on their best behavior in order to gain an Outstanding You.

Teachers and staff members can use an Outstanding You to reward students when they notice how well the student is doing. This can be in terms of schoolwork, classroom conduct, playing on the playground, etc. An important element to keep in mind is to hand them out when the student has truly improved on a specific aspect. By doing this, it can help the student’s intrinsic motivation to keep up the good work that has now been observed. My experience with these is that students feel as though someone is appreciating their hard work and kindness. Whenever I want to give one to a student, I wait until I can give it to them one-on-one and tell them why they are receiving one. It allows the student to feel some individuality in receiving it.

This tool relates to the Three Phases and the Theories of Influence by supporting students throughout the year by recognizing improved and ongoing good behavior and hard work. I have placed it in the Supportive Phase specifically for that reason. It could also relate to the corrective phase as well. If a teacher is needing something to try and help a student improve, then they may turn to using Outstanding You’s to help guide the student towards a goal.

More Information –
Tool Source: My mentor teacher at Loon Lake Elementary