Running head: Written Communication Evaluation Assignment
Written Communication, Daily Points and Levels
“Points” and “levels” can be used to facilitate classroom management. This type of
written communication is used as a behavior reinforcement system and can be sent home daily,
weekly, or on a set schedule to communicate with parents. The points and levels system are
designed to encourage and track the positive behavior of students. With the point system
teachers give students points based on following classroom rules, completing tasks assigned to
them, participation, and behavior. Each school and/or teacher is able to set their own guidelines
and expectations on how points are earned. Over the course of the day or week points are
accumulated and then added and can be redeemed for rewards or privileges. With the level
system, the student begins at a certain point and their points determine if the level moves up or
down. Typically, higher levels are rewarded with privileges and responsibilities, whereas lower
levels may have less privileges and restrictions.
Using points and levels in the classroom is used to promote positive student behavior.
Points and levels can provide a structed environment that is motivating to students and allow
them to learn important social and behavioral skills. In addition, points and levels help set clear
expectations and establish consistency in the classroom. It can teach students self-control,
learning that their actions have consequences. Students can set goals for themselves and can be
customized to meet individual needs of each student. Having a points and levels system can
create a positive classroom culture where students are more likely to feel safe, supported, and
remain engaged.
Most importantly, points and levels can be used for communication purposes. It can
facilitate communication between teachers, students, and parents. This written form of
Running head: Written Communication Evaluation Assignment
communication can be sent home to parents as a visual representation of their child’s behavior,
progress, and/or concerns. This helps parents stay informed about how their child is performing
at school and encourages their collaboration and support at home. “Effective parent-teacher
communication is a prerequisite for aligning interventions across home and school.” (Azad,
G.,:Sridhar, A.,:Taormina, I., &:Roter, D. L., 2023) Students are encouraged to self-monitor and
reflect on how they can improve their behavior, which promotes personal growth.
Most frequently points and levels are used in the classroom as a reinforcement and
behavior management system. However, how points and levels are used can vary depending on
the school, teacher, grade level, etc. The school and/or teacher typically sets expectations that
cover many areas such as completion of assignments, respect, responsibility, and participation.
Some common positive behaviors that can earn student’s points are following rules, completing
assignments, respecting peers, and teachers, participating in class, and helping others. In addition
to following a set of classroom expectations, individualized goals can be implemented for
students.
Like many forms of communication, points and levels have strengths and weaknesses.
Some positives of the points and levels system are that it is a powerful motivator for students,
creates a structured classroom environment, allows students to set goals, and promotes parent
involvement. However, there are some downfalls to this type of communication such as being
implemented incorrectly. Also, even though points and levels are designed to be individualized
to fit all student’s needs, it may not always address the diverse needs and learning styles of all
students.
Points and level systems can be used effectively in the classroom to reinforce positive
behavior and motivate students to perform well. Students are able to see how their points
Running head: Written Communication Evaluation Assignment
accumulate over time and how their actions can affect the outcome of their day. They are then
able to look back and reflect on behaviors, discuss how they can improve, and then be given the
opportunity to do so. Points and levels are a way to promote positive communication with
parents by keeping them informed on their child’s progress. It can also be a way to inform
parents of a student’s negative behavior and find areas that additional support or reinforcement
may be needed moving forward. “Effective communication between parents and teachers is
important for optimizing special education service provision and the generalization of skills.”
(Gazi F.:Azad,:Steven C.:Marcus:&:David S.:Mandell, 2021):For teachers, points and levels can
serve as documentation and a way to track student’s behavior and performance. This
documentation can be useful to have at meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and for student
progress reports. “Parent-teacher conferences are considered an important bridge between home
and school.” (Dajung, D.O., & Pomerantz, E.M., 2022.)
Running head: Written Communication Evaluation Assignment
References
Azad, G.,:Sridhar, A.,:Taormina, I., &:Roter, D. L.:(2023).:Parent–teacher communication for
children on the autism spectrum: An examination of communication skill use and problematic
communication.:Psychology in the Schools,:60,:691–706.:https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22787
Dajung, D. O., & Pomerantz, E. M. (2022). Parent–Teacher Conferences: Teachers' Information
Provision and Parents' Involvement in Children's Schooling.Merrill - Palmer Quarterly,68(2),
179-213. https://doi.org/10.1353/mpq.2022.0009
Gazi F.:Azad,:Steven C.:Marcus:&:David S.:Mandell:(2021):Partners in School: Optimizing
Communication between Parents and Teachers of Children with Autism Spectrum
Disorder,:Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation,:31:4,:438-
462,:DOI::10.1080/10474412.2020.1830100
