Eaton Community Schools Adopts Focus 3's R-Factor 

What is the R-Factor? 

The R Factor is a critical performance resource. It equips people with the mindset and skill set to be intentional about the way they think, make decisions, and take action. The R Factor is built on the simple, powerful equation Event + Response = Outcome (E+R=O)

What are the 6 Disciplines of the R-Factor? 

East Elementary School - Grades K-2

At East Elementary, our teachers incorporate the R-Factor and the E+R=O equation into the daily language of our classrooms. These principles are further reinforced during our SOAR Club meetings, where our Specials teachers integrate key concepts such as 'Press Pause,' '20 Square Feet,' and 'Get Your Mind Right.' Teachers consistently reiterate and reinforce these ideas within their classrooms to ensure a cohesive and impactful learning experience.

The R-Factor is also incorporated into our discipline at East.  Whenever a student is sent to the Principal, we take the opportunity to reinforce our key areas of focus.  The Principal discusses with them whether they pressed pause before making their choice, remind them that they are responsible for their own actions, and explore how they can ensure their mind and body are ready to learn and show kindness. This reflective process is one that both the Guidance Counselor and the Principal consistently engage in with students when their choices result in the need for consequences or further processing.

Bruce Elementary School - Grades 3-5

At Bruce Elementary, we are implementing R-Factor in several ways. The first Monday of each month, the Principal and Guidance Counselor meet with each grade level to host a Town Hall meeting. Students meet in the cafeteria, and a new R-Factor discipline is introduced. Then on the third Monday of each month, the classroom teachers teach a Character Education lesson that encompasses the R-Factor discipline from the beginning of the month. Staff informally have conversations throughout the month regarding the discipline that was taught. Bruce also recognizes students each month who are exhibiting the R-Factor discipline of the month. At the beginning of the year, we discussed E+R=O (Event + Response = Outcome). In August/September, we introduced Press Pause, then in October we focused on Get Your Mind Right, November/December was Step Up, and January was Adjust and Adapt. Moving forward, we will introduce Make a Difference in February, and Build Skill in March.

When handling discipline, it starts with Event + Response = Outcome. We talk with students about what was the Event, what was your Response, and what was the Outcome. Students know, the only part of the equation they can control is their Response. Students can earn a better Outcome by having a quality Response. We then talk about how their Response could have been different to earn a different Outcome. We also discuss the different disciplines with the students to try and help them to think about their Response before just reacting.

Middle School - Grades 6-8

At the Middle School, building-wide implementation has been focused on the core principles of E+R=O, Control Your 20 Square Feet, and No BCD. EMS has started focusing on the 6 disciplines with  “Press Pause” in November & December, and now in January the focus is “Get Your Mind Right”. Each month since the beginning of the year, during our grade level meetings, we have introduced and threaded reinforcement of the core principles. Also, providing connections to the 6 disciplines. For the remainder of the year, EMS will focus on the remaining 4 of the 6 disciplines along with reconnecting to the core principles.

The R Factor provides a common language that supports Positive Behavior Supports to teach and reteach expectations in the building. Since any Event provides students an opportunity for a Response that creates an Outcome, then the R Factor provides a framework to work with students to reflect on their responses to situations, then determine what is working for them to be successful and what can be refined to do better. 

The 6 principles are fluid opportunities for all of us to determine our responses with a disciplined mindset to press pause and get our minds right so the outcome does not trigger further negative events or future negative responses.

High School - Grades 9-12

At the High School, students are taught about the 6 Disciplines of the R-Factor in their Advisory periods. In August, Advisory teachers started with an overview of E+R=O, and then followed up monthly with Discipline over Default, 20 Square Feet, Press Pause, Get Your Mind Right, Step Up, Adjust and Adapt, Make a Difference, and Build Skill. 

When addressing behavioral issues and discipline, our high school administrators apply the R-Factor framework to reinforce students’ awareness of their '20 Square Feet'—focusing on what they can control. Additionally, the 'Pressing Pause' strategy, another key aspect of R-Factor discipline, has proven to be particularly effective at the high school level.