NIH Finds Schools Using This System See 33% Drop in Problem Behavior
🕵️ PD Intelligencer - Oct 26th 2024
4 min read
🕵️ PD Intelligencer - Oct 26th 2024
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NIH Finds Schools Using This System See 33% Drop in Problem Behavior
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Imagine a school where discipline isn't about punishment, but about growth.
Where students are eager to learn, teachers are energized, and the hallways buzz with positivity.
This isn't a fantasy – it's the reality of schools that embrace PBIS.
PBIS, or Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, is a revolutionary approach that's transforming education.
It's not just another program; it's a complete shift in how we think about behavior and school culture.
How Does PBIS work?
At its core, PBIS flips the script on traditional discipline. Instead of waiting for students to misbehave and then punishing them, PBIS focuses on:
- Teaching positive behaviors proactively
- Recognizing and rewarding good choices
- Creating a school-wide culture of respect and achievement
The result?
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), in schools adopting a PBIS approach children were 33% less likely to receive office discipline referrals.
This dramatic reduction in disciplinary issues also inversely increases instructional time, and creates a school environment where everyone thrives.
How Can PBIS Help Teachers in the Classroom?
PBIS transforms classroom management from reactive to proactive with a structured framework.
This shift brings several key benefits:
Reduced Disruptions: By establishing clear expectations and routines, teachers spend less time managing behavior and more time teaching.
Data-Driven Decision Making: PBIS encourages systematic data collection, allowing teachers to identify patterns and adjust strategies accordingly.
Consistent Communication: The framework provides a common language for discussing behavior with students, parents, and colleagues.
Professional Growth: PBIS implementation often includes professional development opportunities and collaborative problem-solving.
Improved Time Management: With fewer behavioral interruptions, teachers can maximize instructional time.
How Can PBIS Help Students in the Classroom?
PBIS transforms the classroom experience by creating an environment where expectations are crystal clear across all school settings, empowering students to navigate their day with confidence.
Through regular acknowledgment of positive choices, students build genuine self-esteem and find internal motivation to continue making good decisions.
Focusing on prevention rather than punishment cultivates a welcoming atmosphere where students feel truly supported and included.
Beyond academics, students develop essential social-emotional skills through explicit teaching and real-world practice.
The result? A classroom where disruptions decrease naturally, creating space for deeper learning and engagement.
In this environment, students don't just survive – they thrive, equipped with both the knowledge and behavioral tools they need for long-term success.
Fun Ways to Incorporate PBIS
📱 PBIS Points Digital Arcade
Transform positive behavior points into digital tokens that students can redeem for game time on educational apps during lunch or after completing assignments.
This turns good behavior into an engaging gaming experience while maintaining educational value.
🎨 Behavior Mural Evolution
Create a school-wide interactive mural that gradually reveals itself as behavior goals are met.
Each class can contribute to unveiling different sections through their positive actions, culminating in a collaborative art piece that visualizes the school's PBIS journey.
🌟 'Caught Being Good' Showcases
Host monthly mini-assemblies where students and teachers perform short skits demonstrating exemplary behavior spotted during the month.
These assemblies can incorporate humor and creativity while celebrating and reinforcing positive actions throughout the school.
PBIS for Non Teaching Staff
PBIS extends beyond the classroom walls, creating opportunities for all staff to contribute to a positive school culture:
- Administrative Staff - Set the tone for the school by warmly greeting visitors and celebrating student achievements, making positive behavior contagious.
- Custodial Staff - Build connections with students while monitoring hallways, turning everyday interactions into chances for positive reinforcement.
- Transportation Staff - Bookend each student's day with positivity by implementing creative reward systems for safe ridership, extending the learning environment.
- Cafeteria Workers - Transform the lunch line into a space for friendly interaction and recognition, making mealtime a highlight while reinforcing social skills.
- Support Staff - Counselors, librarians, and nurses can integrate PBIS principles into their roles, creating safe spaces where students feel valued and learn essential life skills.
Addressing District Leadership Concerns
❗Risk: "Is this just another passing trend"?
Teachers may view PBIS as just another district directive and extra work rather than a solution.
To mitigate this risk, launch a pilot program with volunteer teachers, letting their success stories and data naturally inspire broader adoption.
❗Risk: Inconsistent Implementation may lead to creates confusion about expectations
To address this challenge, create a district-wide PBIS playbook with clear examples for each school zone, empowering all staff to respond uniformly to both positive and challenging behaviors.
❗Risk: Program enthusiasm fades after initial launch
To mitigate this risk, establish a rotating PBIS leadership team that refreshes strategies quarterly and celebrates staff who innovate within the framework.
UNTIL NEXT WEEK
Before you go: Here is how we can help
Alludo - we have helped district leaders across the country increase capacity in thousands of schools by successfully delivering millions of evidence-based professional learning lessons to their educators and staff members.
See you next Saturday!
Damon
