Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports

What Is PBIS?

School-wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports is a system that is developed by a school to improve student behavior and thus improve learning. It is used:

  • With all students
  • Across all environments in the school (classroom, cafeteria, hallways…)
  • To help school create an effective learning environment.

Why Did Lenski Choose PBIS?

Lenski chose PBIS to use an evidence-based research approach to promote a positive climate for learning and to prevent problem behaviors.

Implementation at Lenski

A component of our PBIS is the use of a positive discipline approach that focuses on skill-building, repairing the harm done, practicing conflict resolution, and on the participation of all parties involved. Minor behavior problems are typically handled by the classroom teacher. Several minor referrals for the same behavior result in a major referral handled by the principal. 

 In order to help students understand the difference between bullying and conflict, a classroom lesson at the beginning of the school year was taught that helps explain the characteristics of conflict and how it differs from bullying. PBIS and Second Step program will help build the social skills necessary to help end bullying since research shows that both children who bully and those who are bullied lack social problem-solving skills.

Positive social behaviors are an important aspect of a student’s educational experience and prepares them for life. Please review Littleton Public Schools website for district information on PBIS, Restorative Justice, and bullying among other valuable resources.

Expectations & Recognition

Step 1: Identify and Teach Expected Behaviors

Lenski has identified three behaviors for all school environments:

Be Responsible   Be Respectful   Be Safe

These expectations are posted throughout the building and are used to teach expected behaviors. The matrix provides specific examples of what behaviors look like in different settings.

Step 2: Positively Reinforce and Acknowledge Expected Behaviors

Lenski staff will acknowledge when students present expected behaviors at school. Verbal acknowledgement and B3 Tickets will be given to students when they include include others at recess, or behave appropriately in the restroom, for example.

Step 3: Responding to incidences of Misbehavior

In addition to teaching and acknowledging positive behaviors, Lenski will use a variety of interventions when unwanted behaviors occur.

  • Verbal reminders and warnings
  • Time-out to reflect upon behaviors
  • Reteaching of behavior expectations (Think-it-Over)
  • Behavior contracts