PBIS ~ What Is It?

What is Positive Behavior Intervention and Support?

Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) is a systematic process “that guides districts and schools in developing policies and practices that proactively define, teach and support appropriate behavior. PBIS suggests a shift in thinking about behavior and discipline” so that emphasis is on reinforcing positive behaviors (ODE Creating Caring Communities).

By focusing on prevention-oriented programs, reinforcing positive behaviors, and offering individualized instruction, PBIS practices support Ohio’s strategic plan (Each Child, Our Future) and fulfill the call to educate the whole child by emphasizing social and emotional learning to increase success in academics and in life.

St. Peter’s PBIS

The theme of St. Peter’s PBIS process is “Be A Spartan” and focuses on three expectations that guide student behavior in all areas of our campus: classroom, restroom, hallways, playground, cafeteria, and mass. These expectations are:

• Be Safe

• Be Respectful

• Be Responsible

These expectations are defined by specific guidelines and are posted throughout the school campus reminding students how to “Be A Spartan” during each activity of their day.

How the PBIS Process Works

Elementary principal, Ashley Rastorfer, describes the Be A Spartan systems approach: “As part of our PBIS process, teachers and other staff members use evidence-based practices to increase student learning and decrease classroom disruptions.”

To offer positive reinforcement of appropriate behavior during all activities and academic learning, the teachers and staff:

• Constantly teach and refer to our school-wide expectations

• Provide students with more praise than correction

• Talk to students with respect using positive voice tone

• Actively engage everyone in the class during instruction

• Use pre-correcting, prompting, and redirecting while teaching

• Look for the positive first and provide positive, immediate, frequent, and explicit feedback

Be A Spartan “is a team-based process for systemic problem solving, planning, and evaluation. It is an approach to creating a safe and productive learning environment where teachers can teach and all students can learn.” When students are “caught being a Spartan,” they earn “Spartan Bucks” to use in the school store each week.