Schnoor: D-205 embraces behavioral support system

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive school-wide approach to establishing the behavioral supports and social culture necessary for all students to achieve social, emotional and academic success. As a Multi-Tiered System of Support model, PBIS provides staff with a problem-solving process and a continuum of support to enhance the capacity of schools to effectively educate all students.

PBIS is a decision-making framework that guides selection, integration and implementation of evidence-based behavioral practices for improving academic and behavior outcomes for all students.

Key PBIS components at the school-wide level include:

• Behavioral expectations are defined and taught

• Appropriate behaviors are acknowledged

• Behavioral errors are corrected proactively

• Program evaluations and adaptations are made by a team; administrators provide active and ongoing support

Implemented in over 18,000 schools nationally, the PBIS model is in place in more than 1,700 schools in over 370 districts in Illinois. An essential component of the PBIS process is active data-based decision making. School-wide Information System (SWIS) is a highly-regarded data management system. It is used to access data to guide efforts around school-wide implementation and students' behavioral outcomes.

SWIS data is used for building-based action planning around school-wide needs, as well as to determine which students need additional supports. Elmhurst 205 has opted out of sharing information with other districts.

PBIS is a systems change process and takes approximately three to five years to develop and implement. District 205 is in the second year of PBIS implementation in the middle schools, in the first year at the elementary schools. York Community High School has initiated their planning year.

Emerson Elementary School recently held a celebration of reaching their PBIS goal. Since the beginning of school, students were "caught being good" and earned SOAR tickets leading to the reward of an all-school dance party. They filled the jar in both October and November.

In October, members of the Churchville Middle School CHAMPS/PBIS team presented their poster project titled “Churchville Chargers: Charging Up Positive Support” at the National PBIS Leadership Forum. Additionally, school social worker Megan McCarthy was selected to co-present, along with Jennifer Phillips of SASED and Kevin Moore of the University of Oregon, on the application of a Positive Family Support model.

Meg Schnoor is the District 205 assistant superintendent for student services.