PBIS recognizes that students can only meet behavioral expectations if they know what the expectations are. Everyone learns what’s considered to be appropriate behavior and uses a common language to talk about it. 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.
In a school that uses traditional discipline, teachers may try to correct behavior through punishment. Here’s an example:
At St. Vincent's, using PBIS allows us to handle this differently. With PBIS, we look at behavior as a form of communication. PBIS doesn’t ignore problem behavior. We still use discipline, but punishment isn’t the focus. Instead, the focus is on teaching expectations, preventing problems, and using logical consequences. PBIS allows for appropriate consequences that are effective in changing the student’s behavior, not just in the moment, but in the future as well.
St. Vincent's PBIS program, like most, set up three tiers of support for students and staff as shown in the graphic above.
Tier 1 is a schoolwide, universal system for everyone in a school. Students learn basic behavioral expectations, like how to be respectful and kind. School staff members regularly recognize and praise students for good behavior. They may also use small rewards, like panther bucks/dollars, to recognize when students meet the expectations.
Tier 2 provides an extra layer of support for students who continue to struggle with behavior. The school gives those students evidence-based interventions and instruction.
Tier 3 is the most intensive level. It’s for students who need individualized supports and services because of ongoing behavioral concerns.
All school staff members regularly recognize and praise students for good behavior. They use behavior-specific praise and they may also use small rewards, like panther bucks, to recognize when students meet our school-wide expectations. Students then can spend their hard-earned panther bucks at the School Store. To view some of the fun items or experiences, click on our store link HERE!
Catch the Spirit is our Bullying prevention program, designed from the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, infused with our Catholic faith.
This program puts St. Vincent School at best practice with the Indiana School guidelines for presenting bullying education.
These Items include:
* Structured annual education of staff
* Ongoing professional development
*Community in Christ meeting time for all grade levels which includes student education on kindness, and identifying and reporting bullying. Students meet every Wednesday for Community in Christ meeting time.
* Conduct an anonymous survey of students annually
*Anonymous reporting for parents and students
*Posting of the school responsibilities in classrooms and throughout the school.
* We will not bully others
*We will try to help students who are bullied.
* We will try to include students who are left out.
*If we know someone is being bullied we will tell an adult.