PBIS

Several schools in the Greenwood 50 School District are in the process of implementing Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS), a research-based organizational approach for improving the social behavior climate.  The implementation of PBIS provides many opportunities for students to learn and practice responsible, respectful behavior.  School leadership teams are leading this proactive approach with the goal of providing a safe and productive academic environment. 

            Consistent expectations for student behavior are the foundation for PBIS.  School leadership teams developed matrices that define behavioral expectations for all school locations:  the classroom, lunchroom, hallways, etc.  After developing the matrices, the matrices were shared with parents and all of the adults in the school setting.  PBIS matrices are posted in classrooms, hallways, and other locations in and around schools in an attempt to keep behavioral expectations at the forefront.      

 Instead of expecting students entering schools to know appropriate behaviors, faculty and staff members in PBIS schools teach and reinforce appropriate behaviors.  Positive behaviors are frequently rewarded when students demonstrate that they have learned them.  Full implementation of the PBIS initiative typically takes three years.  Throughout this time, school leadership teams meet regularly to review disciplinary data and monitor implementation efforts.