POSITIVE BEHAVIOR & INTERVENTIONS SUPPORTS
Main Components There are three critical features of PBIS: SYSTEMS: structures & supports provided to enhance teachers' implementation of evidence-based practices DATA: specific, observable, and measurable information about students, which help to continue, adapt, or modify PBIS implementation PRACTICE: preventative & responsive approaches implemented in a classroom which can be intensified within small groups and with specific individuals
A brief overview of this multi-tiered approach to academic, social, emotional, and behavior support intended to create positive school climates and to promote schools' effectiveness, efficiency, and equity. by Tara Strade
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THE WHEN 4
PBIS has held a unique place in special education law since Congress amended the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1997. As it is noted as "positive behavioral interventions and supports" in IDEA, PBIS is the only approach to address behavior mentioned in the law.
THE WHO PBIS is supported by classroom teachers, school administrators, coaches & facilitators, school district leadership, and family members for the benefit of all children. Therefore, PBIS is not limited to students with disabilities; rather, it impacts all individuals involved in the educational process.
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While PBIS helps students develop and learn social, emotional, behavioral competence, this approach also guides teachers to creating positive, predictable, and safe environments, particularly through teaching, modelling, and encouragement.
According to IRIS Center, a common concern among beginning teachers in particular is they lack the skills and knowledge to address disruptive behavior (Oliver & Reschly, 2007; Jones & Jones, 2007).
THE WHAT
The quality of a school’s social environment has a profound impact on student outcomes such as academic performance, attendance, behavior, and even education completion rates. By focusing on PBIS, educators create an environment that helps all students achieve important behavior changes. This promotes positive school climates, safer learning environments, and more trust & respect in studentteacher relationships!
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An evidence-based framework which works to reduce behavioral issues within the classroom. Much like RtI (Response to Intervention), PBIS is broken up into three tiers of support for student & staff: TIER 1: A school-wide, universal system for all students to learn to basic behavioral expectations; for example, to be respectful and kind to one another. Teachers may use small rewards to encourage positive behavior across their classrooms
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Establish a consistent classroom routine Use physical proximity (i.e. walking around the classroom during instruction) to prevent potential disruptions Use non-verbal cues & signals to redirect student behavior Use games & friendly competitions to keep the lesson engaging Be responsive to cultural differences when approaching students, particularly given acceptable behavioral patterns differ crossculturally Communicate clearly and consistently; for example, use "I statements" when addressing a problem rather than accusatory "You statements" Ensure consequences are appropriate, manageable, timely, and clearly explained
TIER 3: The most intensive level of support for students who perpetual struggle with behavior; this is often students who need individualized supports and serves. However, students with IEPs or 504 Plans can land in ANY of these three tiers! WHAT IT IS NOT: PBIS is NOT a curriculum, but merely a guide to implement practices in order to improve the behavior of all students without sacrificing opportunities for them to learn and to be successful.
THE WHERE As PBIS is directly mentioned in IDEA, this approach is uniquely implemented in districts, schools, and classrooms nationally.
THE HOW Here are a few tips & tricks for implementing PBIS in your classroom:
TIER 2: An extra layer of support for students who continually struggle with behavior. This is where teachers would use evidence-based interventions and instruction; for example, a "social skills club," where students learn how to get along with their peers
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THE WHY
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TECH TIP: "iBehaveWell" is a cheap app that allows teachers to monitor, track, and share behavior data with students, parents, & administrators!
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Reflection: PBIS allows for a more positive, strengths-based approach to teaching and learning. I believe teachers should recognize the significance of classroom management and preventive school discipline to maximize student success, rather than rely on punishment. As I will be teaching in Buffalo Public Schools - a culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse district - PBIS is crucial to reduce the detrimental effects of things like "zero-tolerance" policies, which create a school to prison pipeline. Overall, PBIS proves to be pertinent for the success of ALL students, and I am excited to implement these strategies!