Meaningful Work
A Targeted PBIS Program
*Adapted from Meaningful Work
Powerpoint by Michele Kelk, Ph.D.
By: Christyn Denial, School Psychologist,
Saranac Elementary School
What is Meaningful Work?
Meaningful Work is a Targeted Program
that many PBIS schools are using.
 Students are placed in a “job” in their
school, where they have a supervisor
(usually not their teacher), and they
perform work that is meaningful to them
and the school. Ideally, students receive
job training and feedback on their
performance.

Why should we do Meaningful Work
in our school?

It provides additional support for students who
exhibit difficulties despite universal supports.
 It can be used for students who have CICO or
Check and Connect, but aren’t responding.
 It helps students “connect” with others and
gives them a sense or purpose and belonging.
 Gives students a chance to excel in an area in
school on a regular basis.
What types of students?
Attendance Problems
 Academic Problems
 Behavioral Problems
 Disengaged from School Activities
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If a student has this mix of problems,
Meaningful Work will be most effective.
For Whom is Meaningful Work
Appropriate?

Appropriate
-Quiet, withdrawn
-Low level behaviors
-3-5 referrals
-Behavior in multiple
locations
(Function of behavior:
escape/avoid and/or
adult attention)

Inappropriate
-Serious violent
behaviors
-Chronic behaviors
-8-10 Referrals
-Requires more
individualized
support (Intensive)
How does Meaningful Work provide
a Connection for students?
Provides opportunity for active
involvement, so they become
contributing members to the school.
 Provides opportunity to develop skills to
make them better “workers/employees.”
 They are recognized for their
contribution.
 They have a positive interaction with
an adult (their supervisor) daily.

Entry into Meaningful Work

Data Sources
Multiple office referrals
 Attendance Data (many absences/tardies)
 Low work/homework completion
 Rating Scales
 Other screeners

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Referral Sources
-Parent, Teacher,Targeted Team, Student
Possible Jobs
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Plant Technician
Morning Greeter
Energy Efficiency
Manager (Door Duty)
Box Top Manager
Reading Buddy
Tray Technician
Folder Clerk
Study Buddy
Lunch Clean-up
Teacher/Office Assistant
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Bus Line Cone Manager
Advice Column Editor
Soup Label Manager
Recycle Technician
Coffee Cup Manager
(collector)
Homework Assistant
Recess Equipment
Manager
Daily Procedures
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If applicable, student receives CICO sheet from
teacher, and begins to complete it throughout the day.
Student leaves classroom (with CICO sheet) for job.
Student picks up badge.
Student reports to job/supervisor and “works.”
Supervisor reviews student’s daily sheet with the
student (and adds a rating for job performance).
Student receives feedback on job performance. Pay, if
any, is given.
Teacher finishes completing student’s daily sheet.
End of Day: Student Checks in with Supervisor.
Copy of Sheet goes home.
Data is kept by Supervisor and reviewed monthly with
team/teacher.
Questions to ask?
Student Questions

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What are the student’s
strengths and interests?
Who do they connect
with?
Should we start a CICO
sheet for them?
What time of day would
be best for them to have
a job.
School-Wide Questions

Should we do a job
interview/application?
 Should we make
badges?
 Should we “pay”?
 Should we have an
Employee of the Month?
 How do students
graduate from MW?
 Should we have “student
staff meetings?”
Steps to Starting Meaningful Work
at your school:
1)Survey Staff: Solicit Ideas for Jobs, Volunteers
2)Choose a “Coordinator” of the program
3)Create a “team” if necessary
4)Develop paperwork/program outlines:
-Job Descriptions, List of Supervisors,
Information for Teachers, Letters to Parents,
Procedures/forms for Referrals
5)Create a system to get students into program
quickly, and review student data monthly.
6)Explain program and referral process to
Faculty/Staff.
Faculty/Staff Survey
Meaningful Work Program Survey
NAME: _____________________________________
1) Possible school–wide jobs are: Plant technician (waters plants), lunch clean-up, morning door
duty, trimming box tops, morning greeter, recycling.
*Do you have any other ideas for school-wide
jobs?_______________________________________
*Do you have plants in your classrooms that students could water?
YES
NO
2) Are you willing to be a “supervisor”*?
YES
NO
What are potential jobs in your room?________________________________________________
How many workers could you employ? _____________
*As a supervisor, your responsibilities will include interviewing the student, giving verbal feedback
and training. Supervisors are also in charge of “paying” the student a token each day he/she
successfully completes the job.)
3) Do you have any possible pay/reward ideas or any that you could
donate:____________________
Thank you! We will follow-up with more information if you are willing to help with this program.
Contact Info:
Christyn Denial, School Psychologist,
Saranac Elementary School
cdenial@saranac.org
*Email if you would like this powerpoint
and/or our forms emailed to you.