Positive Behavioral Interventions
and Supports (PBIS): A Work in Progress
Overview
PBIS which stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports is a systematic approach that enhances academic and social behavior outcomes for all students. A key component to this program is that behavior expectations need to be taught as part of the curriculum just as academics are taught. It is often assumed that children come to school knowing the rules. However, this is often untrue. Therefore we need to teach all children the rules before we punish them for breaking the rules.
A school choosing to implement PBIS at the school wide level should develop a team of staff members consisting of an administrator, some special education and some general education staff. Having staff from different areas of expertise will help to implement PBIS consistently at all levels.
PBIS which stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports is a systematic approach that enhances academic and social behavior outcomes for all students. A key component to this program is that behavior expectations need to be taught as part of the curriculum just as academics are taught. It is often assumed that children come to school knowing the rules. However, this is often untrue. Therefore we need to teach all children the rules before we punish them for breaking the rules.
A school choosing to implement PBIS at the school wide level should develop a team of staff members consisting of an administrator, some special education and some general education staff. Having staff from different areas of expertise will help to implement PBIS consistently at all levels.
Key Principles or Ideas
*An important idea behind PBIS is that all children can exhibit appropriate behavior. Staff need to identify the setting and conditions that enable appropriate behavior.
*Another key principle is to become proactive rather than reactive to behavior. This means teaching children the rules and the “right” way to do things. Rather than punishing them for not following the rules. In other words, they should not be expected to do follow rules that have not been specifically taught.
*Another key idea is progress monitoring. Data collection helps to identify who needs more intense intervention.
*This is not a set program. Ongoing decisions are based on data results
*Students are “caught” following the rules and making the right choices by staff throughout the building. A staff member may give the student a paper saying they have been “caught” or a small reward. The idea behind this is to promote positive behavior as the school norm.
*Consistency among staff from grade level to grade level and throughout the building is one the most important ideas in making sure this program is successful.
*Another key principle is to become proactive rather than reactive to behavior. This means teaching children the rules and the “right” way to do things. Rather than punishing them for not following the rules. In other words, they should not be expected to do follow rules that have not been specifically taught.
*Another key idea is progress monitoring. Data collection helps to identify who needs more intense intervention.
*This is not a set program. Ongoing decisions are based on data results
*Students are “caught” following the rules and making the right choices by staff throughout the building. A staff member may give the student a paper saying they have been “caught” or a small reward. The idea behind this is to promote positive behavior as the school norm.
*Consistency among staff from grade level to grade level and throughout the building is one the most important ideas in making sure this program is successful.
Strategies for implementation
*Develop a team of administrators, special Education and general education staff.
*This team should meet with the entire staff to teach them about the implementation of PBIS.
*It is important for the PBIS team to meet on a regular basis to check on progress. The PBIS team should also report back to the rest of the staff on a regular basis to insure consistency.
*The PBIS team will decide on 3-5 behavioral expectations that are positively stated and easy to remember (ex. be responsible, be safe, be respectful).
*A matrix will then be developed of what these behaviors will look like, sound like and feel like in non-classroom areas.
*Students will have the opportunity to practice these behaviors in stations throughout and around the building in the beginning of the year. Teachers will continuously teach children the rules as part of the curriculum throughout the year.
*The office referral form will be fine tuned to reflect the program.
*Students will be “caught” making the right choices. Teachers will give them a paper reward noting their accomplishment.
*By the end of the year at least 80% of the students will be able to verbally state the 3-5 main behavioral expectations.
*This team should meet with the entire staff to teach them about the implementation of PBIS.
*It is important for the PBIS team to meet on a regular basis to check on progress. The PBIS team should also report back to the rest of the staff on a regular basis to insure consistency.
*The PBIS team will decide on 3-5 behavioral expectations that are positively stated and easy to remember (ex. be responsible, be safe, be respectful).
*A matrix will then be developed of what these behaviors will look like, sound like and feel like in non-classroom areas.
*Students will have the opportunity to practice these behaviors in stations throughout and around the building in the beginning of the year. Teachers will continuously teach children the rules as part of the curriculum throughout the year.
*The office referral form will be fine tuned to reflect the program.
*Students will be “caught” making the right choices. Teachers will give them a paper reward noting their accomplishment.
*By the end of the year at least 80% of the students will be able to verbally state the 3-5 main behavioral expectations.
Data Collection
Data from referral forms will be graphed. Monthly checks will be performed to check for improvements in each of the areas. If there is a trend of no improvement or increase of negative behaviors in a specific area the program will be modified to hopefully improve that area.
Resources
Follow the link below to get started with PBIS in Michigan
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/SchoolwidePBS_264634_7.pdf