What Is PBIS?

PBIS is a school-wide system of interventions and supports for the expected behaviors we would like to see students displaying at Twain. At Twain, we teach and promote behaving in ways that are respectful, responsible, and caring. PBIS has 3 Tiers of support to help systematically address the behavior needs of all of the students at Twain. 

Here is a video that helps to explain PBIS.

Tier 1 Interventions & Supports

Tier 1 interventions and supports focus on teaching all students at Twain the expected behaviors for school. When you walk around Twain, you will see signs posted in specific areas that teach the behavior expectations for that area. For example, signs are posted in the hallways, bathrooms, lunchroom, classrooms, and so on, that have pictures and a description of the expected behaviors in each area. Teachers and staff spend time teaching students the expected behaviors for each area and re-teaching the behaviors when students are not meeting the expectations. 

The teachers and staff at Twain want to encourage and promote the expected behaviors, and one of the ways they do this is by giving students a PBIS ticket when they see students being respectful, responsible, or caring by following the behavior expectations. Individual classrooms, as well as the whole school, also have opportunities throughout the school year to earn special privileges (i.e. schoolwide assemblies, classroom parties, etc.) by earning a designated number of tickets. There is a large Tiger Chart that shows how many tickets we have earned school-wide.  After we reach our goals, we get to have a school-wide PBIS celebration.

Tier 2 Interventions & Supports

Sometimes students need extra support to help them learn and demonstrate the expected behaviors at school. Qualifying students may start CICO (Check In/Check Out) or join a SAIG (Social Academic Instructional Group). Students who participate in CICO check in with a staff member first thing each morning, setting the day up for success with a positive interaction. At this time, students receive a Twain Report Card, which allows students to receive points for making respectful, responsible, and caring choices at school. Throughout the day, students check in periodically with their teacher(s) to receive points. Our daily point goal for all students in the program is 80%. At the end of the day, the student checks out with a staff member, known as their Coach, who totals the points and has a discussion about their day. Students bring home a copy of the Twain Report Card each day to let the parent/guardian know if they met their goal. If your student participates in CICO, here are some ideas for you to use daily as you follow up with your child at home:

• Ask:“Did you meet your Twain Report Card goal today?”
  • If yes, “What do you think went well today?”
  • “I knew you could do it!” or “Way to go!”
  • If not, “What do you need to do differently tomorrow?”
  • “Is there anything I can do to help you with this?”
• Keep your discussion brief.
• Use a positive tone throughout the conversation.
• If your child does not meet his/her goal, please do not take away privileges at home. The goal of this program is to reinforce positive choices.

Social Academic Instructional Groups (SAIG) focus on teaching specific skills to students to help the students learn and practice the expected behaviors at Twain. There are three different types of SAIG: Emotional Management Skills, Pro-Social Skills, and Academic Skills. Qualifying students join a group and participate in six stand-alone lessons that teach specific skills relevant to each area. Students who participate in SAIG have a point sheet that is similar to a CICO sheet that helps them focus on applying the behavior skills that they are learning in their SAIG group throughout the school day in all settings.

Tier 3 Interventions & Supports

Students who have had Tier 2 interventions and supports and qualify for additional supports are eligible for Tier 3 interventions and supports. Tier 3 supports and interventions are individualized to each student to help the student with learning and demonstrating the expected behaviors at school. Sometimes students start Tier 3 supports immediately when these supports are needed to promote a safe learning environment for everyone.

What can parents/guardians do to help promote positive behavior choices at school?

• Talk with your student about what it means to be respectfulat school (examples include following adult directions immediately, listening quietly when someone is speaking, keeping your body to yourself, etc.).
• Talk with your student about what it means to be responsibleat school (examples include having the supplies and materials that you need, taking good care of supplies and property, trying your best on all of your school work, participating during lessons and activities, staying on task, etc.).
• Talk with your student about what it means to be caringat school (examples include using kind words, offering help when someone needs help, asking new students if they want to play with you at recess, etc.).
• Encourage your Twain students to use words and actions that are respectful, responsible, and caring.