PBS Purpose Statement
PBIS is a proactive, schoolwide system that teaches appropriate behavior throughout the school – in the classroom, on the bus, in the hallways, in the restrooms and on the playground. The entire staff team focuses not only on individual students with challenging behavior but on providing positive behavior support to all children.
PBIS has several components:
- Behavioral expectations are defined: A small number of clearly defined behavioral expectations are stated in positive and simple rules. For example, some of our schools use the Three B’s: Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Safe. Most schools kick off the school year with an assembly, whole school meeting or series of stations that introduce students to these concepts and reinforce the ideas for returning students.
- Behavioral expectations are taught: The behavioral expectations are taught to all students in real context and reinforced throughout the school year. Students often refer to them as “cool tools.” All staff throughout the building uses the same language to speak to students about behavioral expectations.
- Appropriate behaviors are acknowledged: Once appropriate behaviors have been defined and taught, they need to be acknowledged on a regular basis. Staff looks for opportunities throughout the year to recognize students who are meeting their expectations. Many schools will give out tickets and enter students’ names in a drawing to win rewards. Rewards include trinkets, extra gym time and reading to younger children.
- Behavioral errors are corrected proactively: When students violate behavioral expectations, clear procedures are in place to explain to students their inappropriate behavior and to prevent continued disruptions to the instructional environment.
- Program evaluations and adaptations are made by a team: District 54 schools collect data on student behavior and use that information when making decisions about behavior systems. By tracking changes in student behavior, staff can evaluate and adjust its own practices.
- Administrators provide active and ongoing support.
Adapted From http://sd54.org/category/awards/
Parent Letter