CH6 PBIS Parent Newsletter

PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports) is used to improve school safety and promote positive behavior at College Hill 6th Grade Academy. It also helps teachers and staff decide how to respond to a child who misbehaves.

At its heart, PBIS calls on teachers to teach kids about behavior, just as they would teach about any other subject—like reading or math. PBIS recognizes that kids can only meet behavior expectations if they know what the expectations are. An indicator of a school using PBIS is that everyone knows what’s appropriate behavior. Throughout the school day—in class, at lunch, and on the bus—kids understand what’s expected of them.

PBIS has a few important guiding principles:

• Every child can learn proper behavior.
• Stepping in early can prevent more serious behavior problems.
• Each child is different and schools need to provide many kinds of behavior support.
• How schools teach behavior should be based on research and science.
• Following a child’s behavioral progress is important.
• Schools must gather and use data to make decisions about behavior problems.

Keep in mind that PBIS is not a treatment or therapy. It’s a framework for teachers, administrators, and parents to follow. It’s also important to know that when a school uses PBIS, it uses it for all students. That includes kids with IEPs and 504 plans.

According to several studies, PBIS leads to better student behavior. In many schools that use PBIS, students receive fewer detentions and suspensions and get better grades. There’s also some evidence that PBIS may lead to less bullying.

The behavior matrix is a detailed description of the expected behaviors in each setting of the school.

Think about things your child really enjoys and finds rewarding or motivating. What are a few of your child's favorite activities?

1. Keep in mind your child's strengths and interests. Set aside time to spend with your child when they are engaged in activities that matter in them.
2. Establish clear expectations at home. Keep your "house rules" similar to school expectations. The key is to be fair and age-appropriate when you reinforce the expectations.
3. Create routines for your family. Organize the day so your child knows what to expect. Be clear about changes or new events. Give your child a helpful transition warning to let them know what is coming next. Utilize the PBIS Home Matrix worksheet.
4. Anticipate challenges and plan accordingly. Preventing challenging behavior is easier than addressing it in the moment.
5. Try to be consistent and know how you are going to react. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
6. Model the behavior you want your child to learn.
7. Communicate clearly what behavior you want your child to demonstrate. Phrase directions in the positive.
8. Talk about your feelings and use visuals to help your child understand. Tell them you understand how they feel.
9. Look behind the behavior and see what your child may be trying to tell you.
10. Use positive reinforcement often. Genuine, specific praise has a powerful effect on your children's behavior.

http://blogs.egusd.net/pbis/familycommunity-engagement/involvement-at-school/

PBIS Coach

Email: irene.beck@tasd7.net
Phone: 870-772-0281