(CIRCLE PINES) – The Minnesota Department of Education highlighted 71 schools and six school districts for their successful implementation of Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports. Also known as PBIS, the program is a data-driven initiative that provides training and support to promote good student behavior.
“It’s kind of like flipping the script from when I was in school and the kid that got all the grease was the one that wasn’t meeting the expectation. We still have kids who don’t meet expectations and that’s okay, and we always will,” said Bryan Carlson, Principal of Rice Lake Elementary School. “The neat part is those kids who are meeting the expectations is they’re getting that attention, they’re getting acknowledgement as well, which is really super cool.”
PBIS is currently being integrated into 690 Minnesota schools, which is about one-third of the state’s total school count. Data retrieved for the program has indicated success, specifically in reducing behavioral occurrences and student suspensions and increasing levels of student engagement.
“Creating a welcoming and safe environment is essential for productive teaching and learning, and so I deeply appreciate the commitment of these schools and districts to PBIS as part of that work,” said Education Commissioner Mary Cathryn Riker.
According to Centerville Elementary School Principal Wayne Whitwam, the difference PBIS has made is evident.
“If you walk through our schools , you can tell the difference. you can see that the kids are, they’re on the right side of the hallway, they’re quiet, they’re making sure they’re not interrupting the other classrooms,” said Whitwam.
Here is more information from the state regarding PBIS and the schools that use it.
