Is my school using PBIS?

You are most likely reading this blog post because positive behavior support and intervention at school is important to you.  What does this research and evidence based framework PBIS look like in a school setting? Some schools are using specific programs or curriculum.  How do I know that a school is implementing the essential elements derived from the PBIS research?

Has the school created 3-5 clear school-wide expectations?  For example, some of Wenatchee schools that have been through the PBIS training are using RSD - show Respect, Solve problems, make good Decisions. Other schools across the country have established expectations with similar themes; for example Be safe, Be responsible, Be respectful.  Can your child name his or her school's expectations?

Are these expectations taught to the students in the classroom or other areas of the school? Ask your child for an example of demonstrating or modeling one of the expectations. For example, what does make good Decisions look like in the cafeteria or the hallway?  How do you show Respect during class time? What does Be safe mean on the playground?

Is there a process for acknowledging and encouraging (reinforcing) positive behavior? Does your child know when they are meeting expectations?

Is there a process for discouraging or correcting inappropriate behavior? Does the school have supports and intervention in place to help students be successful in behavior? Is there an approach to look at the function of behavior?  For example, why is the student demonstrating inappropriate behavior?

Are the school administrators and teachers collecting, monitoring, and evaluating data regarding behavior incidents or referrals in their school?  Is this data being used to make decisions for continuous improvement and growth in the school, classroom, and students?   

More information at www.pbis.org

If a child doesn’t know how to read, we teach.

If a child doesn’t know how to swim, we teach.                                              

If a child doesn’t know how to multiply, we teach.

If a child doesn’t know how to behave, we…

Preventing and Correcting Misbehavior focuses on how to help children learn to behave through teaching rather than through punishment.

John Herner, NASDSE President (Counterpoint 1998, p.2)