SWPBIS
What is SWPBIS?
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a research-based framework for teaching and supporting positive behaviors for ALL students. This school-wide approach to behavior focuses on building a safe and positive environment in which all students can learn. The benefits of implementing SWPBIS include: • fewer behavior issues • more instructional time • better attendance for student success The foundations of of SWPBIS at St. Timothy School is the four school-wide expectations or the HOWL Leaders Virtues Code: • Honesty and Accountability • Outstanding Effort • Working Together • Living Responsibly SWPBIS has five other components: 1) a behaviour matrix which explains behaviour expectations in each school setting; 2) direct teaching of the expectations; 3) HOWL Leadership Tickets - SWPBIS recognition slips; 4) behavior reporting forms to record and address inappropriate behavior and 5) data collection to decide on further lessons and other interventions.
Behavior Matrix
The behavior matrix is a detailed description of expected behaviors in each setting of the school. For example, in the hallway it is respectful to "use a quiet voice" and it is responsible to "stay in line with your class." The matrix will be posted in classrooms, around school, and visible below.
Teaching Expectations
Throughout the school year, students will be taught how to behave according to the expectations exploring our Character Strong Education program. Teachers will help students learn what the expectations "look" and "sound" like in every setting during the school day. These lessons will be re-taught and reinforced through the school year, and become a regular part of our instructional program. Additionally teachers will be reinforcing featured virtues through stories, such as those written by Peter Reynolds, thereby also supporting literacy. HOWL Leadership Tickets Acknowledging and reinforcing positive behavior is one of the best ways to change inappropriate behavior and encourage appropriate behavior. At St. Timothy each student can earn tickets for meeting behavior expectations. When goals are met, students will be rewarded by the school or classroom reward program as well as participating in periodic school-wide celebrations.
It's a Partnership
To be successful, our behavior programs need to be a partnership between home and school. Throughout the school year the SWPBIS team will send updates and information about our HOWL Leadership program. We invite your comments, concerns and ideas to make SWPBIS work at our school. Please support HOWL Leadership and SWPBIS at St. Timothy School by: • Reviewing behavior expectations with your child • Providing positive reinforcement (rewarding good choices with compliments or quality time) at home • Sharing comments with or asking questions to learn more about SWPBIS • Celebrating HOWL Leadership Award and HOWL 4 x 4 Awards at home