HomeMy WebLinkAboutSurvey 2013-14DO THE RIGHT THING SCHOOL COORDINATOR SURVEY
2013-2014
Do The Right Thing (DTRT) conducted a survey in February 2014 of 250 Miami -Dade County
Public School employees who coordinate the DTRT Program at their respective schools.
Respondents consisted of 77 percent school counselors, 15 percent teachers, 4 percent top
administrators and 12 percent other with an average of 15 years of experience with Miami -Dade
County Public Schools. Those surveyed also had an average of 17 years operating Do The Right
Thing at their schools.
The survey generated an impressive response rate of 45 percent. Additionally, 98 percent of the
respondents indicated that the DTRT Awards Program assists students in making better choices
at school. Eighty four percent believed that the DTRT Awards Program assists students in
making better choices at home and in their neighborhoods. Examples cited were fighting,
bullying, cheating, stealing, and drugs. Furthermore, 72 percent of respondents said that the
DTRT Awards Program had a strong impact on their school as a whole while 89 percent felt that
the awards had a strong impact on student nominees directly. When asked if the Awards
Program is a useful crime -prevention tool, 89 percent of respondents indicated yes. Seventy-
nine percent also indicated that the program fostered a more positive view of police officers by
young people at their schools. This recent survey is favorable in showing that the police and
school community working together can achieve positive student behavior modification, a safer
school environment by reducing incidents of bullying, fighting, drugs, etc., as well as a more
positive relationship with cops and kids.
The positive effect that these incentives and recognition has on the students' behavior cannot be
underestimated. Additional comments from the survey are as follows:
"Students proudly wear their t-shirts and motivate other students to try and work to be
nominated." — School Counselor, Lake Stevens Elementary
"I do believe the DTRT Program can change the school climate in a very positive
manner. Our students strive everyday to 'do the right thing' in order to be nominated
each month." — School Counselor, Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Elementary
"It's an incentive they (the students) look forward to and use as a motivator in their
conduct which creates an environment conducive to learning." — School Counselor, Mae.
M. Walters Elementary
"At a neighborhood like ours, here in Allapattah, this is a program that makes an
impact. These children feel honored and empowered when awarded for doing the
right thing." —Teacher, Mater Academy of International Studies
"Many students come to me and tell me when they have done the right thing, and
most of them are students who have had problems in the classroom and at home, so
I know DTRT has been a positive influence." — SCSI Coordinator, Hammocks
Middle
"Students at my school take pride in being nominated for doing the right thing
They wear their t-shirts with pride and proudly explain to their classmates how they
came to be nominated." — English Teacher, Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High
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