Method provides a sense of security in school

Progress Method provides a sense of security in school

Providing all schoolchildren with the preconditions to learn: that is one of the basic concepts behind the Inclusive Behavioural Support in Schools (IBIS) programme, a researchbased method for creating calm and security in schools. The method is being implemented in 20 schools in Uppsala and from autumn 2020 IBIS instructors will be trained at Uppsala University.

IN ADDITION TO Uppsala, several other Swedish municipalities have participated in the programme, which is based on a method developed in the United States 25 years ago and used in Norway for the past 15 years. Uppsala researchers have adapted it to Swedish conditions.

“While some of the adaption has been to Swedish governance documents and legislation, we have also addressed Swedish school culture, which is highly focused on humanism and democracy. So, instead of working on consequences we have worked a great deal on creating the preconditions for children to behave in accordance with the school’s expectations,” says Martin Karlberg.

THIS WORK INCLUDES adapting the school environment, teaching pupils various social skills and identifying their prior knowledge and abilities, so that they can be given tasks that are both manageable and promote personal growth.

“These tasks should not be so easy as to present no obstacle; rather, they should sometimes be challenging and developmental,” explains Karlberg.

Which schools are using the IBIS method?

“It is generally schools that feel the need to develop leadership within the school. They want to develop common values and common approaches, so that children can rely on receiving the same treatment no matter what lesson they go to.”

ONE DEMAND IS made on participating schools: at least 80% of staff must be in favour of participation. Research has shown that this is a prerequisite if the method is to yield positive results.

Karlberg has recently commenced a collaboration with researchers at Oklahoma State University, who have been studying the method for 25 years. Together they intend to study the effects of IBIS in Sweden in comparison with the United States. 

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Facts about IBIS

• IBIS stands for Inclusive Behavioural Support in Schools.

• The method has largely been used in primary and secondary schools but by the autumn there will also be a manual for subject teachers in uppersecondary schools.

• Those training to be instructors are mainly special-needs teachers, school counsellors and school psychologists.

• It usually takes four years to fully implement the programme; i.e., until the school has a common approach to creating the preconditions for pupils to learn and manage conflicts.