Office Discipline Referrals (ODRs)
Lincoln-Erdman staff makes every effort to teach and re-teach expected behaviors before giving students a disciplinary consequence for misbehavior. All staff teach students the expectations, provide pre-correction or reminders for the expected behaviors, and use the positive reinforcement system on a daily basis. When a student continues to choose not to follow the behavior expectations, an ODR is used as a communication tool for students and parents. Information from the ODR is entered into a data management system, which then allows staff to collect and track behavior data. Staff uses the data to be proactive in addressing problem behaviors, problem locations and times, and problems by grade level. ODRs can be considered "minor" or "major."
Minor ODRs are used for documentation and communication with parents about minor infractions. The consequence is usually re-teaching by the staff who wrote the referral and a discussion with the student to make a plan for improvement. Minors do not involve the principal and are exactly as they are stated - minor. Parents can discuss the minor with their child and reinforce school expectations.
Major ODRs are used to document continued or more severe behavior infractions. Consequences for majors include talking to the principal and require an administrative decision. Along with re-teaching and a parent contact, students may also love a privilege or spend time in the office.
Minor ODRs are used for documentation and communication with parents about minor infractions. The consequence is usually re-teaching by the staff who wrote the referral and a discussion with the student to make a plan for improvement. Minors do not involve the principal and are exactly as they are stated - minor. Parents can discuss the minor with their child and reinforce school expectations.
Major ODRs are used to document continued or more severe behavior infractions. Consequences for majors include talking to the principal and require an administrative decision. Along with re-teaching and a parent contact, students may also love a privilege or spend time in the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: There are two different categories of problem behaviors; minors and majors. What is the difference between them?
A: Major problem behaviors are those that were typically seen as “tickets” in the past system. Often with a major referral, a consequence is attached to it such as loss of recess, time in the office, or a conference with student. Minor problem behaviors are different. Most minors would not have received a “ticket” under the old system. When a student exhibits a minor problem behavior, a staff member typically reteaches the expected behavior or problem solves with the student about what they could do differently next time.
Q: I received an ODR for my child and it’s listed as a “Minor Problem Behavior.” For something considered minor, why did a referral need to be written?
A: The purpose of a minor referral is to document the behavior. Our school looks at the data for all major and minor referrals. For example, if we see that 10 students received an ODR for minor disrespect that tells us that we should spend time reteaching all students what respectful behavior looks like. The data is important for us to plan appropriately for our school’s needs. By tracking minor ODRs, it also tells us if a student has a pattern of behavior. For example, if Student A has now gotten 3 minor ODRs for rough play and they were all at lunch time, we can work together with Student A to find new activities or new ways to handle frustrations at lunchtime.
Q: How will I know if the ODR is minor or major?
A: The problem behavior will be checked in the appropriate box. Aside from that, you will be able to tell by the color of your child’s ODR. If a white copy comes home, this is indicative of a major ODR. A yellow copy is sent home for a minor ODR.
Q: What do I need to do with the ODR if my child receives one?
A: Please sign under “parent signature” and return to your child’s teacher. Teachers will follow-up with parents if they do not receive the signed copy back.
Q: Does an ODR become part of my child’s permanent record?
A: No. Once a student leaves Lincoln-Erdman, the ODR paperwork does not follow them. It does not go into their cumulative record.
A: Major problem behaviors are those that were typically seen as “tickets” in the past system. Often with a major referral, a consequence is attached to it such as loss of recess, time in the office, or a conference with student. Minor problem behaviors are different. Most minors would not have received a “ticket” under the old system. When a student exhibits a minor problem behavior, a staff member typically reteaches the expected behavior or problem solves with the student about what they could do differently next time.
Q: I received an ODR for my child and it’s listed as a “Minor Problem Behavior.” For something considered minor, why did a referral need to be written?
A: The purpose of a minor referral is to document the behavior. Our school looks at the data for all major and minor referrals. For example, if we see that 10 students received an ODR for minor disrespect that tells us that we should spend time reteaching all students what respectful behavior looks like. The data is important for us to plan appropriately for our school’s needs. By tracking minor ODRs, it also tells us if a student has a pattern of behavior. For example, if Student A has now gotten 3 minor ODRs for rough play and they were all at lunch time, we can work together with Student A to find new activities or new ways to handle frustrations at lunchtime.
Q: How will I know if the ODR is minor or major?
A: The problem behavior will be checked in the appropriate box. Aside from that, you will be able to tell by the color of your child’s ODR. If a white copy comes home, this is indicative of a major ODR. A yellow copy is sent home for a minor ODR.
Q: What do I need to do with the ODR if my child receives one?
A: Please sign under “parent signature” and return to your child’s teacher. Teachers will follow-up with parents if they do not receive the signed copy back.
Q: Does an ODR become part of my child’s permanent record?
A: No. Once a student leaves Lincoln-Erdman, the ODR paperwork does not follow them. It does not go into their cumulative record.