Proposals should include targeted interventions that are considered evidence-based or a promising practice and designed to encourage positive behaviors and reduce negative behaviors among students. Targeted interventions are those that provide specialized assistance, focused support and/or a tailored approach to specific behaviors that is nonpunitive but holds students accountable for their actions. Employing targeted interventions has proven to be effective in addressing student behavior while still holding youth accountable for inappropriate behavior. It is recognized that meaningful alternatives to punitive approaches takes time and must be built on school-wide participation, and thus time for planning of the appropriate interventions is allowed as part of the proposal. Recognizing that schools throughout the state are very different in terms of size and resources, proposals can range from very small to somewhat large. In addition, partnerships between schools, families and/or community entities to support academic readiness and overall well-being in highly encouraged. Specifically, the SAG will support interventions that aim to: Reduce disciplinary actions, law enforcement citations, and/or suspensions and expulsions; Promote positive student behaviors; Increase family engagement, attendance and academic performance; and/or Improve school climate. This could include initiatives that address the underlying factors of the behavior, including family instability, mental health challenges, and lack of education or life skills. Examples of school-based interventions that have been previously supported by the SAG include restorative justice, teen court, Check and Connect, Building Assets Reducing Risks, parent training, and mentoring. However, funding is not limited to those specific interventions.
