POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION AND SUPPORTS (PBIS)

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION AND SUPPORTS (PBIS)

Zeeland Christian School is known for their positive support of students in academics, relationships, and spiritual growth. They are embarking on a new level of growth in supporting the behavior and social/emotional needs of their students. Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) is the vehicle they are using for this work. A team of administrators and teachers have been attending training and are developing a system that fits with all that ZCS is.

PBIS is a framework for creating schools that are positive, safe, and predictable for students and staff. Several components make this framework effective:

A matrix is developed that has common behavior expectations across all school settings - This allows for all students and staff to know what is expected in each environment and gives a shared vocabulary for addressing behavior expectations. Expected behaviors are taught just as academic skills are taught.

A tiered system of support is put in place - We know that all children do well if they are supported in the ways that they need. The PBIS system ensures that all students learn basic behavior expectations, school staff regularly recognize and acknowledge all kids for good behavior, and all behavior errors are corrected and handled in a systematic way. If a child continues to struggle with behavior, they will receive a set of evidencebased interventions and instruction. There will still be students who need additional support and will receive individualized supports and services.

Positive behavior is acknowledged - The behavior that receives the most attention is the behavior that you will see more of in the future. With this in mind, PBIS focuses attention on the behaviors that we want to see more of by acknowledging students who are doing what is expected.

Predictable and consistent consequences are given - When a behavioral error is made, it is addressed by providing students opportunities to reflect on their choices and relearn the matrix behaviors through logical consequences. All staff will respond to behavior the same, and students will view consequences as procedural instead of personal.

Data-based decision making - The PBIS Leadership team meets monthly to review data, address needed supports, provide professional development to the school staff, and monitor the quality of their implementation by completing surveys.

Zeeland Christian is excited to implement this framework, combining it with Biblical principles. We believe it will give our students additional support that will help them become the individuals God created them to be.

Krista Brower

ZCS Board Vice President & Education Committee Chair

Krista Brower, ZCS Board Vice President & Education Committee Chair