PBIS

PBIS is used interchangeably with SWPBS, which is short for “School-wide Positive Behavior Supports.” PBIS is based on principles of applied behavior analysis and the prevention approach and values of positive behavior support. 

PHILOSOPHY:
PBIS is a team based, systematic approach in teaching behavioral expectations throughout the school. It is based on a proactive model which teaches the behaviors, reinforces and recognizes students who are able to model these behaviors and has systems in place to support students who have a difficult time or may present with more challenging behaviors.

The team approach is what truly makes this system work and we really need every family’s support to help us be successful.

APPROACH:
Instead of using various individual behavioral management plans, we have a school-wide discipline system that addresses the entire school. This includes all the classrooms, and areas outside of the classrooms (hallways, stairwells, restrooms, cafeteria, playground).

Every person who works in the school is aware of the behavioral expectations and works to ensure students are consistently getting the same message, regardless of the setting they are in or the adult they come in contact with. At Winder Elementary School, our students work to earn Pup Points. They can earn these points by showing a Positive Attitude, Acting Responsibly, Working Hard, and Showing Respect (PAWS). 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN:
1. Behavioral Expectations are Defined. A small number of clearly defined behavioral expectations are simply stated in positive terms: Show a Positive Attitude, Act Responsibly, Work Hard, and Show Respect. 

2. Behavioral Expectations are Taught: Behavioral expectations are identified for various settings in each school. The behaviors are taught to all of the students in the school through direct teaching with the help of staff.

3.Appropriate Behaviors are Acknowledged: Once appropriate behaviors have been defined and taught, they are acknowledged through giving Pup Points in Class Dojo. Each grade level has different prizes and rewards students can cash in their points for. Additionally, every 9 weeks the school has a PBIS celebration for students who have shown great Bullpup behavior.

4.Data Collection: Office Discipline data is collected on school-wide behavior and a team reviews the data regularly to determine when and where the problems are occurring. The committee then brainstorms ways to proactively address the problems and to re-teach and reinforce positive behaviors.

5.Individual Support is Provided for Students not Responding to the School- Wide System: Individual students who may have a difficult time and need more support in a school setting will be put in the Response to Intervention Program (RTI).

6.Our PBIS team meets regularly, and it is our goal to involve parents as active partners in helping students to succeed.

7.Active Support by All Stakeholders: The entire school community is needed to be actively involved in order to make the system successful. PBIS is a districtwide system for establishing a positive culture in each building.

BENEFITS OF PBIS (RESEARCH BASED):
1. Increases attendance. Student self-reports of a more positive and calm environment.
2. Teacher reports of a more positive and calm environment.
3. Reduction in the proportion of students who engage in behavioral disruptions.
4. Reduction in the number of behavioral disruptions.