November 1999

BACKGROUND: ASAP stands for Alternative Student Assistance Program. It was created by teacher Jess Rickman, after visiting numerous alternative programs in the Portland area. He patterned ASAP after a program developed for Kellogg Middle School in Portland Public Schools and wishes to credit teacher Ted Feller, who is now principal of Maplewood Elementary.

THE PROGRAM: When kids have behavior problems in school, they’re helped immediately (or asap) through a discipline program that focuses on positive reinforcement – while allowing them to stay in school and keep up with school work. "When we show students they can succeed in school and have positive experiences, they’re less likely to fall into the downward spiral towards suspension, expulsion or Then their academic achievement increases."

Rickman uses a levels approach that grants students increasing privileges of freedom as they "graduate" through the levels. Level I (Black) is a highly structured, self-contained setting of direct supervision; Level V (Red) grants the most freedom, such as "meeting behavioral expectations at a 95 percent rate" and "maintain all grades at a level of C or above."

Another key to success of the program is face-to-face contact with their parents, Rickman adds. "I get strong support from them. Most of the contact these parents have with school is negative because of their student’s behavior. This gives us a chance to change attitudes and build positive relations with parents. They back me in the program. The administrative support I get is also very important. Their trust in me is a big factor in our success."

ASAP is geared toward students who are having difficulty being successful academically and/or in their interactions with peers and adults. All students maintain regular school schedules while they receive help from ASAP staff. Each ASAP student works towards greater independence both socially and academically. Students served are in grades 6 - 8 and demonstrate characteristics similar to the following DSM-IV criteria for "oppositional behavior disorder":

• Loses temper;
• Argues with adults;
• Actively defies adult requests/rules;
• Deliberately annoys people.
• Is touchy or easily annoyed by others.
• Is angry and resentful.
• Is spiteful or vindictive.

ASAP includes five levels of increasing structure, with Level 1 being the most structured with constant supervision. Within each level is a strict set of criteria on what they can/cannot do and the privileges they have. Students also know exactly what will happen if they fail to meet expectations – they will drop down, rather than up, a level. Jess Rickman would be happy to send detailed information. In general, the levels are as follows:

Level 1: Direct supervision and guiding students through the school’s expectations concerning behavior. EXPECTATIONS: Successfully complete in-school suspension at a 95% success rate. Stay current with school work. PRIVILEGES: Attend school.

Level 2: Allows increased social experiences and freedom, and more academic expectations.

EXPECTATIONS: Stay current with school work. Report to ASAP upon arrival at school at lunch time. PRIVILEGES: Return to class with escort.

Level 3: Greater freedom and the ability to return to classes without being supervised by ASAP staff during unstructured time.

EXPECTATIONS: Stay current on school work; get grades up to C or better.

PRIVILEGES: Return to class without an escort; eat lunch with classmates and go to recess.

Level 4: Student expected to maintain behavior equal to peers while maintaining all grades at C or better.

EXPECTATIONS: Stay current with school work. Maintain all grades at C or better; appropriate behavior.

PRIVILEGES: Eligible for all extra-curricular activities such as intramural, trips and dances.

Level 5: Students must go beyond minimum behavior and academic requirements. ASAP loosens daily monitoring as student demonstrates self-management.

EXPECTATIONS: Self-manage grades and behavior, and be a positive influence on school climate.

PRIVILEGES: Eligible for all extra-curricular activities such as intramural, field trips and dances.

ASAP, in its second year, is supported in part by a grant. Principal Fred Niemiec can provide more details about funding. There is a waiting list of about 10 students to enter the program. Although it is designed to serve 15 students at a time, Rickman is currently serving 18.