OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Some Nebraska schools may have students play a game next year that officials say help disruptive students behave and can potentially prevent violence, drug abuse and suicide.
The Nebraska Board of Education has approved spending $2.5 million of U.S. Justice Department grant money to implement the Good Behavior Game in 30 schools, the Omaha World-Herald reported .
Supporters of the game have said it’s proven to improve the classroom environment. But many are skeptical, calling it wishful thinking.
The Good Behavior Game requires teachers to divide students into competing teams. The best-behaving team will be rewarded with prizes and privileges. Teams will be penalized for violating class rules.
“The Good Behavior Game has a long research and evidence base behind it that affects violent behavior,” said Jolene Palmer, the state Department of Education’s school security director. “It also decreases suicide, it increases school attendance and a plethora of other outcomes.”
Palmer said the state piloted the game at three elementary schools five years ago. Students were more focused on tasks and more tolerant of others, she said.
The game may work for some students, but the ones that don’t respect authority aren’t easily converted, said Max Eden, a fellow with the Manhattan Institute.
Lisa Fricke, a retired teacher who serves on the state board, said the game teaches basic good behavior, particularly for students who aren’t receiving those lessons at home.
“As a public school, we need to fill in those voids that aren’t available to at-risk kids,” she said.
The state is partnering with the Rand Corporation to implement the game and sustain it on a large scale. Officials will recruit schools to introduce the game next year.
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Information from: Omaha World-Herald, http://www.omaha.com
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