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PBIS Update
PBIS Mission
CSD is utilizing the PBIS Framework to implement a comprehensive and cohesive adult and student behavior system to promote equity and foster a school culture grounded in social emotional learning and social justice in all schools. Together Decatur CREATES Leaders!
PBIS Vision
Caring: We show empathy, compassion, and respect so we all feel physically and emotionally safe.
Reflective: We honor our need to stop and think, make connections, and use our strengths to grow as a learner and person.
Engaged: We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning through perseverance, collaboration, and craftsmanship.
Altruistic: We do good things for others to help make the world a just and better place.
Thoughtful: We pause to think critically and creatively to make sense of the world and respond positively in learning situations and interactions.
Exceptional: We approach each day with an attitude of excellence balancing our responsibility to self and others.
Scholars: We collaborate locally and globally to discover and engage in learning that is personal, meaningful, and authentic.
PBIS Implementation
You might be wondering why PBIS?
PBIS is a researched-based framework that has shown that:
- through intentional planning,
- setting clear expectations, and,
- providing support structures for students and teachers,
behaviors that interfere with learning are reduced and that the school's culture and climate are positively impacted.
You might be wondering what is PBIS?
PBIS is a framework, not a packaged program, that provides a structure and method for school teams to examine behavior data and trends in their school. Teams then work with their staff and students to mitigate the most problematic behaviors through intentional teaching and support structures. The work is ongoing and evolves as the needs of the school change. One of the first tangible actions teachers, students, and families will see is called the School Wide Behavior Matrix. This is a chart that clearly communicates behavior expectations for specific locations in the school that aligns with the school's mission and values. Teams are currently working to develop this matrix and each school's matrix will be unique, aligned to our district's vision, and set the foundation for proactively teaching students expected behaviors.
Where are we now with implementing PBIS?
We have completed the Exploration/Adoption step and are now in Installation. We have established school teams and are currently training school teams and PBIS coaches to lead the implementation work and manage the data system. The work we are doing with PBIS strongly aligns with other district initiatives and practices. For example, CSD has a new Student Code of Conduct and Restorative Practices Handbook that supports PBIS Implementation. School administrators and teachers are learning about and implementing Restorative Practices such as Restorative Conferences and Restorative Circles. In addition to learning how to implement PBIS in their schools, school teams will participate in ongoing professional learning to further enhance the school's culture and climate to make each school a safe place to learn and work.
Where can I learn more about PBIS?
Georgia Department of Education - PBIS website or https://www.pbis.org/
*Fair Warning* If you google PBIS, you are liable to stumble upon individual school PBIS programs that might be misleading. PBIS is a framework that promotes school autonomy with implementation strategies and practices.
Images related to this story can be found in the October District Dispatch newletter here https://www.smore.com/3czge.