PBIS at Northwest AEA

Purpose

To increase the ability of school districts within Northwest AEA to address problem behaviors using Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports as a framework for developing a School-Wide behavior management system.

Rationale

To help school districts and schools develop systems and practices of discipline that emphasize teaching of expected behaviors to increase desirable behaviors and develop consistent corrective consequence systems to decrease unwanted behaviors. Research shows that schools using traditional types of discipline strategies continue to experience significant increases in disruptive and destructive behavior as well as increases in the number of students excluded from instruction due to suspension or expulsion. PBIS methodology provides a positive and effective alternative to the more traditional methods of discipline. These methods are based in research and are intended to decrease behavioral disruptions while at the same time promoting a more positive school climate and increased academic performance. PBIS is also consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which advocates the use of positive behavior interventions and school-based disciplinary strategies that reduce or eliminate the need to use suspension and expulsion as disciplinary options.

Targeted Population

The PBIS training and support offered by NWAEA is designed to support teachers, administrators, and families in building school-wide capacity to address challenging behavior exhibited by students in all settings.

External PBIS Coaches

External PBIS Coaches are active members of a school's PBIS Leadership Team. Their role is to help support and guide schools during the first three years of implementation and then continue to work with schools to help them sustain PBIS efforts over time. Several Northwest AEA staff members are currently working with PBIS Leadership Teams throughout Northwest Iowa.

PBIS Schools within Northwest AEA Region

There are several schools within Northwest AEA region that are using the PBIS framework to enhance their buildings' behavior management systems. Feel free to contact these schools with questions that you may have about PBIS.