To maintain a positive learning environment for all students at C.S.D.R., several social skills programs are in place:  CHARACTER COUNTS!, Positive Attitudes Will Succeed (P.A.W.S.), and the Boys’ Town Educational Model.

CHARACTER COUNTS!
The California School for the Deaf, Riverside is proud to be using the CHARACTER COUNTS! program in our school community. CHARACTER COUNTS! strengthens our students through character education. A person of character is a good person, someone to look up to and admire. This person knows the difference between right and wrong and always tries to do what is right. Also, a person with character sets a good example for everyone and makes the world a better place. The person of character lives according to the “Six Pillars of Character”: TRUSTWORTHINESS, RESPECT, RESPONSBILITY, FAIRNESS, CARING and CITIZENSHIP.

The following quote explains what character education means at our school and in our daily lives:
Character education is not a single course, a quick-fix program,
or a slogan posted on the wall. It is an integral part of school life.
The school must become a community of virtue in which
responsibility, hard work, honesty, and sensitivity
are modeled, taught, expected, celebrated, and continually practiced.
From the classroom to the playground,
from the cafeteria to the staff lounge,
the formation of character must be the central concern.

-Kevin Ryan, Director of Center for the Advancement
of Ethics and Character at Boston University

Trustworthiness:

Be honest – Don’t deceive, cheat or steal – Be reliable – Do what you say you’ll do – Have the courage to do the right thing – Build a good reputation – Be loyal – stand by your family, friends and country

Respect:

Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule – Be tolerant of differences – Use good manners, not bad language – Be considerate of the feelings of others – Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone – Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements

Responsibility:

Do what you are supposed to do – Persevere: keep on trying! – Always do your best – Use self-control – Be self-disciplined – Think before you act – consider the consequences – Be accountable for your choices

Fairness:

Play by the rules – Take turns and share – Be open-minded; listen to others – Don’t take advantage of others – Don’t blame others carelessly

Caring:

Be kind – Be compassionate and show you care – Express gratitude – Forgive others – Help people in need

Citizenship:

Do your share to make your school and community better – Cooperate -Get involved in community affairs – Stay informed; Vote – Be a good neighbor – Obey laws and rules – Respect authority – Protect the environment

Positive Attitudes Will Succeed
The staff at C.S.D.R. implemented the Positive Attitudes Will Succeed (P.A.W.S.) social skills modelin 2008. This program utilizes the Boys Town Education Model which emphasizes relationship building, proactive classroom management practices, and social skills instruction to reduce behaviors that interfere with learning, and empower students with self-management skills.

The P.A.W.S. program includes a social skills curriculum as defined in the Well-Managed Classroom. There are 16 essential skills and many intermediate and advanced skills that encourage students to accept responsibility for their behavior while motivating them to make the best choices that they can.

C.S.D.R. believes children should be educated in a healthy, nurturing, and supportive environment where lifetime habits are encouraged and reinforced. The P.A.W.S. program contributes greatly to facilitating a positive learning environment where all students can obtain skills to reach their full potential.

Boys’ Town Educational Model
The Boys’ Town Education Model is an example of a success-oriented program of personalized social skills instruction. Boys’ Town has demonstrated that schools can significantly reduce discipline problems, while directly and humanely teaching vital life skills in a positive school climate.

The Boys’ Town Education Model is an example of a success-oriented program of personalized social skills instruction. Boys’ Town has demonstrated that schools can significantly reduce discipline problems, while directly and humanely teaching vital life skills in a positive school climate. Boys Town is one of the few programs that can be integrated into the entire school day and across the curriculum, and can be applied by parents and guardians at home.

1.  Following Instructions
Look at the person.
Sign “Okay.”
Do what you’ve been asked right away.
Check back.

2.  Accepting Criticism or a Consequence
Look at the person.
Sign “Okay.”
Stay calm.
Give a reason.
Attend to the other person’s response.

3.  Accepting “No” for an Answer
Look at the person.
Look at the person
Sign “Okay.”
Stay calm.
If you disagree, ask later.

4. Greeting Others
Look at the person.
Use friendly signs.
Sign “Hi” or “Hello.”

5. Getting the Teacher’s Attention
Look at the teacher.
Raise your hand. Stay calm.
Wait until the teacher signs your name.
Ask your question.

6. Asking for Help
Look at the person.
Ask the person if they have time to help you.
Clearly explain the kind of help that you need.
Thank the person for helping.

7. Disagreeing Appropriately
Look at the person.
Use friendly signs.
Tell why you feel differently.
Listen to the other person.

8. Listening
Look at the person.
Wait until the person is through signing.
Show that you understand them by nodding your head, signing, ‘Okay,’ ‘That’s interesting,’ etc.

9. Appropriate Sign-box/Expression/Body Language
Look at the signing boxes & expressions of people around you.
Change your signing-box and expresions to match.
Pay attention to body language of others and adjust your body langauge as needed.

10. Making an Apology
Look at the person.
Use a serious, sincere signs.
Sign “I’m sorry for … .” or “I want to apologize for.. .”
Don’t make excuses.
Explain how you plan to do better in the future.
Sign,”Thanks for your time.”

11. Having a conversation
Look at the person.
Use friendly signs.
Attend to what the other person signs.
When they stop signing, ask a question or share your thoughts.

12. Working With Others
Identify the task to be completed.
Assign tasks to each person.
Discuss ideas with calm, friendly signs and let everyone share their ideas.
Work on tasks until completed.

13. Accepting Compliments
Look at the person.
Use a friendly signs.
Sign “Thank you.”
Do not disagree with the compliment.

14. Staying on Task
Look at your task or assignment.
Think about the steps needed to complete the task.
Focus all of your attention on the task.
Ignore distractions and interruptions from others.
Stop working only when instructed.

15. Sharing Something
Let the other person use the item first.
Ask if you can use it later.
When you get to use it, offer it back to the other person after you have used it.

16. Asking Permission
Look at the person, raise your hand and be still.
Use calm and friendly signs.
Sign, ‘May I…’before you begin signing.
Accept the answer calmly.

Other Social Skills:

Resisting Peer Pressure
Look at the person.
Use a calm voice.
Sign clearly that you do not want to participate.
Suggest something else to do.
If necessary, continue to sign “No.”
Leave the situation.

Reporting Other Youths’ Behavior
Look at the teacher or adult.
Use a calm voice. Ask to talk to him or her privately.
Describe the inappropriate behavior you are reporting.
Explain why you are making the report.
Answer any questions the adult has.
Thank the adult for listening.

Introducing Yourself
Look at the person. Smile.
Use a pleasant voice.
Offer a greeting. Sign, “Hi, me … .”
Shake the person’s hand.
When you leave, sign, “It was nice to meet you.”