Over the past month, I have met with two Wenatchee School District leaders: Superintendent Brian Flones and John Waldren, Director of Special Projects. Based on these meetings, I have a prepared a report on the progress of implementing the framework of Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) into all the schools within the district.
For those just tuning in, PBIS is a school-wide behavior model which is the compilation of over three decades of research and data collection by numerous scholars and educators. The fundamental elements of PBIS are developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education. The research is ongoing.
So, what is happening in Wenatchee School District?
· John Waldren has presented an awareness overview of PBIS to the staff at every school in the district. The goal is to have the PBIS framework developed in each school building by 2016 or 2017.
· A PBIS district level committee (formerly the Make Your Day cadre) meets on a regular basis and is working on understanding the research and benefits of PBIS for all students. This committee is composed of representatives from schools and parents.
· Superintendent Flones and Mr. Waldren presented PBIS at the administrator meeting on March 14, 2013.
· The Superintendent is supporting schools that are early adopters of PBIS. What does this mean? Schools are encouraged to send a building team to PBIS training this year. The district provides the funding.
What is a building team? How does PBIS training work? In order to prepare a school for implementing the framework of PBIS, the following timeline is recommended.
a. Form a building team typically composed of a representative from each grade level, a counselor, and an administrator. Note: This might look different for middle/high school. A typical team is 6-8 educators.
b. Team attends spring PBIS training.
c. Team presents information to all building staff.
d. Team attends summer PBIS training before the start of the school year.
e. Building staff prepare to teach behavior expectations and collect data.
f. PBIS trainer visits school at least two times throughout school year to observe implementation and offer suggestions.
Please see my blog post from 10-6-12 to see how Lewis & Clark Elementary adopted PBIS.
This is great progress! The Wenatchee School District has a plan, has set goals and deadlines, and is moving forward. Thank you to the Wenatchee School Board, Superintendent Flones, John Waldren, the District PBIS committee, Principal Alfonso Lopez, and Principal Greg Lovercamp for supporting the implementation of PBIS in Wenatchee schools!
written by
Jennifer Talbot
3-23-13
