Embedded Files
Students across Palm Beach county have seen a new addition to the SIS portal. Observing there being a new form of currency displayed in the top right of their grades section of SIS.
These are called “Badges' ' and as seen in SIS there is another section “spent” inferring there is a way to consume these Badges and spend them.
So, what does PBIS stand for?
Kathleen Thomas, the Dean for tenth grade students, states that it stands for “Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.”
Why was the program was implemented into Palm Beach Central?
Ms.Thomas responded that it was a “district initiative to encourage more positive behavior on campus.”
This means that it is not exclusive to PBC, but instead a program found throughout the district.
Well, what can students do with these badges?
Ms.Thomas states that students can use these badges to buy various chips or candy at a mobile cart, get rid of a detention or tardy, or win Airpods at the end of the year if students have accumulated enough points (and are an underclassman). There is also a way to purchase Grad Bash and Prom tickets with these points if you are a senior.
One might be wondering: who funds the snacks on the cart, buys the Airpods at the end of the year and the gift cards every week for the Bronco P.R.I.D.E award winners?
Ms.Thomas stated that it comes from the school advisory committee (or SAC), which determines where the school funds go and gets approval as long as it benefits students.
But how do students know if the badges were accurately given out by teachers or if they were being thrown around?
Ms.Thomas says that she has faith that they are being distributed fairly because the students are buying into the idea that if they have good behavior they get rewarded. She does know there is a “bit of a learning curve” but she believes it will get easier as time progresses.
She also hopes to see the amount of referrals go down and a boost of morale in the school from students and teachers. She also hopes to see an improvement in student behavior, as the program serves as an incentive for good behavior.
The program will continue to change and develop throughout the rest of the school year in hopes of less behavioral issues and improved morale on campus.
Page updated
Report abuse