Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, data-driven framework proven to reduce disciplinary incidents, increase a school’s sense of safety and support improved academic outcomes. More than 1,000 Georgia schools and 27,000 nationwide have been trained in PBIS. Implementation of PBIS is saving countless instructional hours otherwise lost to discipline. The premise of PBIS is that continual teaching, combined with acknowledgement or feedback of positive student behavior will reduce unnecessary discipline and promote a climate of greater productivity, safety and learning. PBIS schools apply a multi-tiered approach to prevention, using disciplinary data and principles of behavior analysis to develop school-wide, targeted and individualized interventions and supports to improve school climate for all students. (OSEP Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports).
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), the Technical Assistance Center on PBIS supports schools, districts, and states to build systems capacity for implementing a multi-tiered approach to social, emotional and behavior support. The broad purpose of PBIS is to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of schools and other agencies. PBIS improves social, emotional and academic outcomes for all students, including students with disabilities and students from underrepresented groups.
The Early County School District employees were trained in PBIS implementation during the 2017-2018 school year. All four schools were recognized at the Installing Level by the Georgia Department of Education for the 2017-2018 school year. Three of the four schools were recognized at the Emerging Level during the 2018-2019 school year. Click the links below to view the PBIS End of the Year Report/Annual Evaluation for each school.
A character education curriculum shall be taught to every student enrolled in the Early County School System (ECSS). ECSS staff and administration shall be responsible for implementing the program at each school site. Media and other means of communication with parents and the public shall be utilized to promote community support of Character Education. During the 2022-2023 school year, the ECSS will be implementing the Capturing Kids' Hearts®: Leadworthy Character Curriculum®.
Through experiential training, expert coaching, a character-based curriculum for students, and personalized support, Capturing Kids' Hearts® equips professionals in K-12 education to implement transformational processes focused on social-emotional wellbeing, relationship-driven campus culture, and student connectedness. When the Capturing Kids' Hearts® processes are implemented with fidelity, campuses have seen improvement in the following areas: fewer discipline referrals, improved attendance, higher student achievement, lower dropout rates, and higher teacher satisfaction.
The Leadworthy Character Curriculum® is a campus-specific curriculum designed to inspire and empower K-12 students to lead with heart. Thirty years ago, Leadworthy® (formerly Teen Leadership) was started as a way to help students learn the professional skills, attitudes, and behaviors that would help them become successful in life. Leadworthy continues to focus on the development and growth of students in schools across the country with an emphasis on integrity, character, trustworthiness, dignity, and respect. The lessons included are grade-level specific, progressive and systemic, and easy to use with minimal preparation. Focusing on a different character trait every month, teachers will be provided lessons that can be taught in a 30-minute class period once a week, also known as Mindset Mondays. In addition to weekly lessons, teachers will also have access to a monthly service-learning activity. The curriculum is structured in a way that provides opportunities for skill acquisition, practical application, and reflection.
Please visit the ECSS Parents Corner for additional PBIS/MTSS resources.