Transforming Schools from High Standards to Full PBIS and Beyond

Haralson County School District is transitioning from a discipline plan that utilizes cross-age grouping in a House concept to a proactive and structured PBIS plan where all staff, students, and parents are clear on expectations and appropriate behaviors across all settings. Buchanan Elementary and Haralson County Middle schools have decreased office discipline referrals by over 50% in the past four years utilizing proactive and positive behavior supports and a cross-age mentoring model called “Houses.” This school year they are transforming their current positive supports and behavioral expectations into a full PBIS model utilizing behavior matrices to guide appropriate behavior. The school staff, parents, and students are learning the Rebel Way through staff modeling, practicing, and incorporating specific behaviors that illustrate High Standards, Courteousness, and Safety. The presenters will discuss how to recruit a solid PBIS team that analyzes data, defines expectations, and develops behavioral lesson plans to teach students the positive behaviors for success throughout their school career and beyond. The presenters detail how the PBIS team incorporated their current school and “House” expectations into the PBIS matrices for students and staff to make a seamless transition from current practices while incorporating the best practices of positive behavioral supports