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Safety & Culture

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports

Respectful, responsible and safe

The School District of Lancaster implements an initiative known as Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, or PBIS for short.  At our schools we say, “Be Respectful.  Be Responsible. Be Safe.” Look for posters around schools that define examples of being respectful, responsible and safe in each area of the school.

At its heart, PBIS calls on schools to teach kids about behavior, just as they would teach about any other subject—like reading or math. PBIS recognizes that kids can only meet behavior expectations if they know what the expectations are. A hallmark of a school using PBIS is that everyone knows what’s appropriate behavior. Throughout the school day—in class, at lunch and on the bus—kids understand what’s expected of them.

Rewards, not reactions

Frequently, the question is asked, “Why should we have to teach students to follow school expectations? They already know what they are supposed to do. Why can we not just expect good behavior?”

In the past, school discipline has focused mainly on reacting to specific student misbehavior by implementing punishment-based strategies including reprimands, loss of privileges, office referrals, and suspensions. Research has shown that the use of punishment, especially when it is used inconsistently is ineffective.

A school environment where students thrive

Defining, teaching, and reinforcing the behavior we want to see is a more effective way to ensure that all students understand our behavior expectations, and will help our whole district function smoothly.  Our goal is to create a positive, structured and predictable environment within which all our students can thrive.

Keep in mind that PBIS is not a treatment or therapy. It’s a framework for teachers, administrators and parents to follow. It’s also important to know that when a school uses PBIS, it uses it for all students. That includes kids with IEPs and 504 plans.

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