An Evaluation of an Organization Development Approach To Reducing School Disorder

Abstract

An organizational development method was used in a three-year effort to reduce disorder in a troubled Baltimore City school. Using the method, researchers and school staff collaborated to design, implement, and refine interventions aimed at increasing the predictability of responses to students' disciplinary infractions, increasing rewards for appropriate behavior, and increasing prosocial peer and teacher support. The evaluation suggests that the program improved the organizational health of the school, increased students'sense of belonging and their reports of rewards in school, and reduced disorder. This report describes the organizational development method and interventions and summarizes implementation and outcome data.