Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
What is PBIS?
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based approach that helps to achieve students' needs in behavior, academics, social skills, emotional health, and mental well-being.
When used in our classroom and community, PBIS boosts social-emotional skills and academic success while creating a positive school atmosphere. PBIS is about building inclusive, predictable, equitable, and safe learning environments where every student can thrive.
Why do we use PBIS?
and the differences from other behavioral programs.
When compared to other plans for behavioral support, PBIS is unique, as it is preventative, rather than reactionary. It is an ongoing commitment to supporting students, educators, and families through systems change. When you implement PBIS effectively, students experience improved behavioral, social, emotional, and academic outcomes; schools and programs reduce their use of exclusionary discipline practices and improve their overall climate (Center on PBIS, 2024).
This approach is founded on the principle that establishing clear expectations, maintaining consistent routines, and using positive reinforcement can effectively benefit all students. For those who need additional support, tailored and individualized interventions are also accessible. PBIS even helps to reduce burnout from adults in schools, creating a much more positive and productive environment.
Strategies
Below are some examples of strategies used to support and respond to social, emotional, and behavioral needs in our classroom.
Behavioral Needs
Our classroom space is heavily reliant on routine. Visuals are present all over the room to help remind students of expectations and order of activities. Daily, Weekly, and Monthly goals are posted on our board, allowing for students to know what we are working towards in rehearsals.
Emotional Needs
So much of music's beauty is held in it's ability to encapsulate emotion. Daily, students check in and have the choice to elaborate on their feelings that day. There is also a designated calm corner and single-use earplugs for students who become overstimulated.
Social Needs
Many if our classroom activities are planned for groups, we also strive to maintain a community through discussion. Students can also have the choice of having a classroom buddy if group work is a stressor for them. The start of class time is dedicated to listening to at least one song, many students use this time to share songs that they enjoy or that they relate to.
Overview
Our expectations are supported by PBIS. The classroom and schoolwide culture is at the heart of our learning environment. Utilizing consistent routines, data collection, and active engagement, students are provided with a strong and supportive community. The classroom and curriculum are regularly checked to maintain high fidelity implementation and meaningful student outcomes. (Center on PBIS, 2023)
