Case Study (Sam)

BACKGROUND Student: Sam Age: 14.2 Grade: 8th SCENARIO Sam is an eighth grader who is not finishing his work due to his off-task behaviors. According to his records, this has been an ongoing problem since third grade. His grades have become progressively worse this year. His academic grade in his social studies class (and in most of his other classes) is at 65 percent because assignments are rarely completed or are done haphazardly. When Sam does start an assignment, he often rushes through it, making a number of errors and overlooking information. His teacher reports the following types of off-task behaviors: reading books and magazines, drawing and doodling, daydreaming, and talking to friends and neighbors. These behaviors occur most often during independent work times and rarely during large group or whole class activities. Having reviewed Sam’s completed assignments and his class participation in group activities, Sam’s social studies teacher believes he is capable of doing grade-level work and has decided that Sam will achieve the following goals within six weeks: (1) Increase the number of independent assignments completed. (2) Earn 80 percent or higher on all completed assignments. Possible Strategies: Specific Praise Criterion-Specific Rewards Choice-Making 1.Review each of the three possible strategies listed above. 2.Write a summary of each strategy, including its purpose. 3.Describe why each strategy might be used to help Sam meet one or more of his goals. 4.What would you suggest the teacher do to redirect Sam’s behavior and ensure academic success? Rubric Case Study Analysis Case Study Analysis Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Summary of strategies 2.5 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Describe strengths and weaknesses of strategies 2.5 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Identify the implications for the future 5.0 pts Total Points: 10.0