Positve Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS)

Positve Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) is an approach to viewing and dealing with social control issues within the school community using proactive methodologies to positively affect the entire educational experience. Often requiring a mind-shift from traditional methods of discipline and management, according to Andrea M. Cohn in her piece entitled Positive Behavioral Supports Information of Educators, PBIS has “proven to significantly reduce the occurrence of problem behaviors in the school, resulting in a more positive school climate and increased academic performance.” Over the past year, a team having broad representation of Parkway High School’s faculty has undergone focused training in preparation for the school-wide introduction and ultimate implementation of PBIS. Parkway’s PBIS team efforts have resulted in the development of strategies aimed at defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors. The foundation from which Parkway’s PBIS system is built upon is the school-wide expectation that Parkway Panthers are SHARP: Safe, Honest, Accountable, Respectful, and Present. These characteristics capture the essence of the behaviors faculty and students should expect of themselves and each other.