PBIS

What is PBIS?

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive early intervention program designed to teach social skills to students of all ages and to prevent and address challenging behavior in the schools. This approach is based upon creating clear, consistent expectations across all settings. PBIS focuses on using positive language across all environments with all staff members. For example, we say “We use walking feet,” rather than, “Don’t run.” Through teaching, modeling, practicing, intervening, feedback, and rewards, PBIS encourages students to consistently demonstrate socially appropriate behaviors across settings.

Our three, clear behavioral expectations in the Medina City School District are:

  1. Be Ready (formerly safe),

  2. Be Respectful (formerly kind)

  3. Be Responsible

In Preschool we have also adopted a social-emotional skills curriculum called Strong Start. There are 10 lessons in the program that focus on how to identify and handle emotions appropriately.

How does it work?

  • All students are taught and follow the same expectations throughout all areas of the school.

  • These expectations are posted in all areas of the building with visuals as well as text.

  • When students demonstrate appropriate behaviors they are recognized for it.

  • When students do not follow the expectation, there are planned consequences to help them get back on the right path to demonstrating socially appropriate skills.