ANKENY, Iowa (April 29, 2014) – The Iowa Department of Education recently honored Prairie Trail Elementary School with the Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) Emerging School Award during their state-wide School Supports conference on April 24 in Cedar Rapids.
This award recognizes Prairie Trail Elementary School for their great effort, enthusiasm, commitment and level of preparation for the implementation of PBIS beginning with the 2012-2013 school year. To receive this recognition a school must show evidence that certain criteria were met, including having a representative, school-based leadership team who has developed the necessary tools and products to roll out a PBIS plan to students and staff.
“We are having success in implementing PBIS at Prairie Trail because of the commitment and consistency of each and every staff member; from the team that serves student lunch, the custodial staff, the recess and building-level teacher associates, and the 42 certified staff members,” said Dr. Pam Dodge, Principal. “Our building-level PBIS team is clear about what the next level of work needs to be, and we will continue to learn about and implement the next tiers of interventions for students.”
“This award means a great deal to our school. Our PBIS team has worked consistently together to develop and roll-out a new way of ‘being’ as a school,” said Rachelle Bowers, Counselor. “We believe in the philosophy of PBIS and in the importance of teaching and reinforcing the positive behaviors we expect our students to display. The staff at Prairie Trail is dedicated to creating a respectful, responsible, and safe culture and it shows with the hard work and time they have spent to make PBIS successful at Prairie Trail!”
In addition to receiving the award, Prairie Trail was invited to bring a team to the two-day conference to present the data they are using and tell their story about the first year of PBIS implementation.
What is Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS)?
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, data-driven framework proven to reduce disciplinary incidents, increase a school’s sense of safety and support improved academic outcomes. More than 19,000 schools in the United States are implementing PBIS and saving countless instructional hours otherwise lost to discipline.
The premise of PBIS is that continual teaching, combined with acknowledgement or feedback of positive student behavior will reduce unnecessary discipline and promote a climate of greater productivity, safety and learning.
PBIS is based upon the philosophy of recognizing positive contributions of students. Administrators, teachers, bus drivers, custodial staff, food service, and other support staff take the responsibility to teach positive behavior expectations to students. Students in turn know exactly what is expected of them, and can receive rewards for behaving in a positive manner.