Positive Behavior Intervention System
What Is PBIS?
PBIS is an approach Yukon Elementary uses to improve school safety and to promote positive behavior. Our teachers teach lessons about behavior, just as they would teach them about any other subject—like reading, science, or math. PBIS recognizes that students can only meet behavior expectations if they know what the expectations are. Throughout the school day—in class, at lunch and on the playground—students understand what’s expected of them.
PBIS has a few important guiding principles:
- Every child can learn proper behavior.
- Early intervention can prevent more serious behavior problems.
- Schools may need to provide many kinds of behavior support based on a student's need.
- Following a child’s behavioral progress is important.
- Yukon must gather and use data to make decisions about behavior problems.
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.
How PBIS Works
PBIS sets up three tiers of support for students and staff in a school.
- Tier 1 is a schoolwide, universal system for everyone in our school. Students learn basic behavior expectations, be kind, act resonsibly, be respectful, and keep safe. Our school staff recognizes and praises our Huskies using the Husky BARK tickets for good behavior. We use small rewards, from our Husky "Barkmobile" to encourage our students.
- Tier 2 provides an extra layer of support for students who continue to struggle with behavior. Our staff may implement a set of evidence-based interventions and instruction. For example, some students may interrupt class because they struggle with social interaction. A Tier 2 strategy might be a “social skills club” to help learn how to get along with peers.
- Tier 3 is the most intensive level. It’s for stiuidents who need individualized supports and services because of behavior issues.
