What is PBIS?
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an approach to teaching and supporting positive behaviors and meeting the needs of ALL students. This school-wide approach to discipline focuses on building a safe and positive environment in which all students can learn.
Components of PBIS
BEHAVIOR MATRIX
The Behavior Matrix is a detailed description of expected behaviors to be practiced in each setting of the school. For example, in the hallway, "stay to the right" instructs how to be safe when in the hallway The matrix is posted throughout the school.
TEACHING EXPECTATIONS
Throughout the school year, students are taught what it looks like to be responsible, respectful, and safe in every setting during the school day. The lessons also include the unexpected behaviors so students are explicitly taught what is expected. These lessons will be re-taught and reinforced throughout the school year and become part of the instructional program. Reminders are frequently used, for example, "Be polite and stay to the right."
ACKNOWLEDGMENT SYSTEM
Acknowledging and reinforcing positive behavior is one of the best ways to encourage appropriate behavior. Students can earn tickets, “Bee Bucks”, for meeting behavior expectations. When goals are met, students enjoy school-wide celebrations. We also hold weekly raffles and students can receive a reward if their bee buck is chosen for that week!
DATA COLLECTION
Collecting data about the times, places, behaviors, etc. ensures informed decision-making to help all students meet the expectations through further interventions.
What can you do to support PBIS at home?
PBIS needs to be a partnership between school and home for it to be successful. Throughout the year PBIS school teams will send information and updates about the program. We invite your comments, concerns and ideas. Please consider the following:
-Reviewing the school's expectations with your child
-Using the behavior expectations at home
-Providing positive reinforcement (rewarding good choices with quality time or compliments) at home
-Asking questions or sharing comments with the school's PBIS team