What is PBIS?
PBIS is the acronym for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. It is a positive behavior management initiative being rolled out at Lincoln Elementary, as well as all other district schools, as part of the District 97 Strategic Plan.
A formal definition states that:
School-wide PBIS is the integration of
• Operationally defined and valued outcomes,
• Behavioral and biomedical science,
• Research validated practices, and
• Systems change.

The goal is to prevent the development and the escalation of problem behaviors and thus maximize the academic success of all of our students.

PBIS is a proactive, systems approach to providing the behavioral supports and social culture needed for each of our students to achieve behavioral, social and academic success.

PBIS involves setting school-wide behavioral expectations. At Lincoln Elementary, those expectations are to:
• Be Respectful
• Be Responsible
• Be Helpful

Once behavioral expectations are set, we teach those expectations to students in a variety of setting and situations throughout the school. Our emphasis is on acknowledging appropriate behavior and celebrating positive growth in individuals and as a school community.

How do states, districts and schools implement PBIS?
Illinois has a strong commitment to PBIS and provides training, technical assistance and evaluation support to districts interested in implementing PBIS. For more information about PBIS at the state level, visit: www.pbisillinois.org

What are the outcomes associated with PBIS?
• Decrease in office discipline referrals
• Increase in instructional time
• Decrease in administrator time spent on discipline issues
• Efficient and effective use of resources
• Increase in school safety
• Sustainability through the use of a team approach

Perhaps most importantly, PBIS supports the Illinois Social Emotional Learning Standards, which include the following three goals:
• Goal 1: Develop self-awareness and self-management skills to achieve school and life success.
• Goal 2: Use social-awareness and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships.
• Goal 3: Demonstrate decision-making skills and responsible behaviors in personal, school, and community contexts.

PBIS is currently being used in over 30 states and the District of Columbia. It has solid research that supports the positive outcomes associated with its implementation.