Positive Behaviour Supports in Practice - Home School Partnerships

Introduction

This tutorial outlines the implementation of Positive Behaviour Supports (PBS) in educational settings, specifically based on the experiences of Anne Fitzgerald School. It aims to provide educators and school administrators with actionable steps to foster effective home-school partnerships and support student behaviour positively.

Step 1: Understand the Framework of Positive Behaviour Supports

• Familiarize yourself with the core principles of PBS, which include:
  • Emphasizing proactive strategies to promote positive behaviour.
  • Implementing evidence-based practices tailored to individual student needs.
  • Engaging families and communities in the support process.
• Consider the importance of data collection to assess students' behaviours and interventions.

Step 2: Build Collaborative Relationships

• Establish strong partnerships with families by:
  • Communicating regularly about student progress and behavioural expectations.
  • Organizing workshops or informational sessions to educate families about PBS.
  • Encouraging family involvement in school activities to strengthen ties.
• Create a welcoming environment where families feel valued and heard.

Step 3: Develop a Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan

• Collaborate with staff and families to create a tailored behaviour support plan that:
  • Identifies clear behavioural expectations for students.
  • Outlines specific strategies for teaching these behaviours.
  • Includes reinforcement systems for positive behaviours.
• Ensure that the plan is flexible and can be adjusted based on ongoing assessment and feedback.

Step 4: Implement Training for Staff

• Conduct training sessions for educators and staff on PBS strategies, focusing on:
  • Techniques for teaching and reinforcing positive behaviours.
  • Strategies for addressing challenging behaviours effectively.
  • The importance of consistency in applying behavioural expectations.
• Encourage staff collaboration to share successful practices and experiences.

Step 5: Monitor and Adjust Interventions

• Regularly assess the effectiveness of the behaviour support plans by:
  • Collecting data on student behaviour and academic performance.
  • Reviewing feedback from staff and families regarding the strategies used.
  • Making necessary adjustments to interventions based on data analysis and stakeholder input.

Step 6: Celebrate Successes

• Acknowledge and celebrate positive behaviours and achievements within the school community by:
  • Hosting recognition events for students demonstrating outstanding behaviour.
  • Sharing success stories through newsletters or social media.
  • Involving families in celebrations to foster a sense of community and support.

Conclusion

Implementing Positive Behaviour Supports requires a collaborative effort between educators, families, and the broader community. By following these steps, schools can create a supportive environment that promotes positive behaviours, enhances student well-being, and strengthens home-school partnerships. Consider taking the next step by initiating conversations with staff and families about how to begin this important work in your own school setting.