The High Fives tell students what they can do, not what they shouldn't. When students behave appropriately they earn rewards, such as tickets that they can redeem for merchandise at a student store. Keeping on Track For students who stray from the High Fives, another program has been put in place to keep them from becoming chronic behavior problems. First, the staff member asks the student to identify which of the High Fives he or she failed to follow and describe how his or her behavior caused a problem. Students are challenged to think of an alternative action that would show responsible behavior.
Students continue to build on their problem-solving skills as they advance from grade to grade.
In seventh and eighth grade, students are introduced to more complex conflict resolution skills. Teachers have learned some critical lessons, as well. The High Five Program, A Positive Approach to School Discipline , developed by Fern Ridge Middle School's School Climate Committee, was named Oregon's Most Outstanding Curriculum for 1996-97 by the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators.