Spencer Middle School’s PBIS Model
From the Rocket Newsletter – Spencer Middle School implemented a Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) program during the 2015-2016 school year, and since then the program has improved and grown. If you’re unfamiliar with PBIS (most people who aren’t involved in a school probably are), don’t worry because it’s simple to explain. The basic idea is that adults working with children need to be proactive in order to prevent misbehaviors instead of waiting for misbehavior and then reacting to it. Here are some things parents and community need to know about PBIS:
All school PBIS programs have a few common principles:
- Every child can learn proper behavior.
- Stepping in early can prevent more serious behavior problems from starting.
- Each child is different and schools need to provide many kinds of behavior supports.
- How schools teach behavior should be based on research and science.
- Following a child’s behavioral progress provides important information.
- Schools must gather to analyze and use data to make decisions about behavior problems.
In schools with PBIS programs, students receive fewer detentions and suspensions, there’s fewer reports of conflict or bullying, and students also have better grades.
With PBIS, the focus is on preventing problems. Here at Spencer Middle School on the first few days of school, 6ththrough 8th grade teachers, counselors and administrators spend time reviewing and practicing the expected behaviors with all students in a fun setting. Then, teachers and staff at school regularly recognize kids for good behaviors they notice. Rocket Recognition slips are handed to students who are displaying exceptional behavior that follows the school guidelines of being respectful, responsible, and safe.
To keep all students motivated to follow the guidelines of being respectful, responsible and safe, we have weekly, monthly, and quarterly incentives in place that are connected to whole-school behavior goals. So far, students have met each goal set since we implemented PBIS, and student feedback has been largely positive surrounding all the elements of PBIS.
If you have any questions or suggestions for our PBIS team, please feel free to speak to Mr. Gorst or any of your child’s teachers about them. We always welcome and value input from students, parents and the community. After all, we’re all in this together!
Submitted By: The Spencer Middle School PBIS Team
