Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

(PBIS)

 

Respectful                Responsible                Cooperative                Safe

 

The primary focus of teaching is intended to help students learn to reach their personal potential as competent, self-reliant, literate, and responsible individuals.  During this development, it is every student’s responsibility to conduct oneself appropriately so another student’s opportunity to learn is not diminished.

 

The purpose in adopting the PBIS program is to enhance any existing behavioral programs.  All codes of conduct rest upon the application of consequences for inappropriate behaviors.  The PBIS systems approach to behavioral modification rests upon the clear and consistent collection of causal facts and other relevant data in order to formulate alternative strategies to effect behavioral change.

 

At Franklin Academy, the philosophy of PBIS is combined with a strong discipline code to provide appropriate consequences for poor choices and to positively reinforce appropriate behaviors. 

 

The basic premise of PBIS is to modify inappropriate student behavior rather than to punish students for it and to reward and increase the occurrence of appropriate behaviors.  In the vast majority of cases, the existing disciplinary code is quite effective.  For a small minority of students, the intrinsic rewards for good behavior and academic performance are non-existent.  School and its built-in consequences for appropriate behaviors have little relevance to their lives.  This leads to a lack of sense of belonging or ownership in the school community and often manifests itself in antisocial behavior.  PBIS, along with the existing disciplinary code can be utilized to change the perspective of these students and help to eliminate inappropriate behaviors and increase the appearance of appropriate behaviors.

 

Attitudinal changes can be effectively achieved through the creation of an atmosphere that provides inclusion, civility, warmth and a sense of order and safety. Modeling appropriate attitudes and behavior on the part of all staff is an effective method for eliciting the same from students.   For example, a greeting by teachers each morning establishes an atmosphere of welcome and inclusion that can last through the day.  (It’s very difficult for a student to respond inappropriately to “Good morning” or “Glad to see you”)  Good manners and a positive attitude are infectious and are conducive to the learning environment and the likely occurrence of desired behaviors.

 

When undesirable behaviors occur, it is essential that they are clearly and consistently defined.  The collection and analysis of relevant data allow staff to develop strategies for modifying those behaviors.  The standardized discipline referral makes it possible to collect information with little subjectivity.  The referral provides such information as location, time, and probable cause of the inappropriate behavior. The objective data collected enables the staff to proceed with consistent and defective plan of action that might not be described in the standard discipline code.

 

The purpose of PBIS is to change inappropriate behavior, not to punish those who exhibit it.  PBIS is always looking for new ways to increase positive behaviors and attitudes.  Recognition for appropriate behaviors and attitudes is a good way to reinforce them.  A critical piece to any PBIS program is the development of a program that recognizes the strengths and academic achievements of all students.

 

It is important to recognize as many students as possible in order to make a difference. An important step to creating a positive connection to school is a program which enables every student to enjoy a level of success that might not have been possible under conventional academic achievement policies.  As students enjoy a higher level of success their investment in the general positive atmosphere of the building increases, as well as a feeling of ownership and belonging.

 

PBIS is a system for changing and modifying existing behaviors.  It should be utilized in a slow deliberate manner that enables success.  Behavior problems are identified and once identified, problem should be prioritized and plans of action developed that will resolve those issues.

 

While PBIS is an effective system for modify particular behaviors, it is recognized that it’s not a “silver bullet”, it does provide an additional approach to increase appropriate behaviors and decrease inappropriate behaviors.