Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS)
The Principles of PBIS
PBIS is an approach that schools can use to improve school safety and promote positive behavior. It’s also a way for schools to decide how to respond to a child who misbehaves.
PBIS has a few important principles:
- Every child can learn proper behavior.
- Stepping in early can prevent more serious behavior problems.
- Each child is different and schools need to provide many kinds of behavior support.
- How schools teach behavior should be based on research and science.
- Following a child’s behavioral progress is important.
- Schools must gather and use data to make decisions about behavior problems.
Keep in mind that PBIS is not a treatment or therapy. It’s more like a framework for teachers, administrators and parents. And it’s used with all students in the school.
According to several studies, PBIS leads to better student behavior. In schools that use PBIS, students receive fewer detentions and suspensions. There’s less bullying. Students also have better grades.
PBIS at Harmony
Harmony has been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education as a PBIS Distinguished School for the past three years. At Harmony, we celebrate our “3R’s” – Respectful, Responsible, and Role Model. Behavioral expectations in all areas of the school are taught using the 3R’s.
PBIS Matrix: Based on the 3R’s, we use a building-level matrix, and classroom matrices with concrete examples of behavior expectations in all settings. We use these matrices to teach student expectations throughout the school. Positive behavior is celebrated individually through our Jag of the Month celebrations. Additionally, students work together to earn compliments for positive behavior and be recognized as Class of the Month.
Classroom Meetings – Teachers at Harmony lead classroom meetings daily to teach behavior expectations and our Character Strong curriculum. During the meetings, students learn about implementing the 3 R’s, build their classroom community, and participate in different activities focused on our character trait of the month.
Behavior Points and PBIS Store – Students earn behavior points throughout their day at Harmony by demonstrating the 3 R’s. Teachers and staff provide behavior specific praise as students model expectations. Students use their earned points to cash in at our PBIS rewards store.
PBIS @Harmony
PBIS Celebrations
