The Process of Implementing School Wide Positive Behavior Supports
Sprague, Jeffrey and Hill Walk, “Improving School Climate with School Wide Positive Behavior Supports,” The Utah Special Educator (2004).
This study delves into the topic of School Wide Positive Behavior Supports (SWPBS). The goal of this policy is to prevent minor discipline incidents, as well as more serious antisocial and violent behaviors. It aims to: create a positive school climate, establish and teach behavior expectations, and to teach mastery of and demonstration of behavioral skills. The authors believe that by sustained implementation the dual goals of academic achievement and social development will be achieved. The program required three levels of intervention. The primary level a school wide climate change, the secondary level for certain “at–risk” students, and the tertiary for “high–risk” students. This program is to be seen as a long term, sustainable, system of support for students and staff. The article includes a number of sample documents for the implementation of SWPBS, and goes into great detail about the number of steps required for incorporation. It is also strengthened by the quality of research it references in support of SWPBS. The study gives an example of a long term policy change that could be very beneficial for schools struggling with violence and other discipline related problems.
Relevant Link: http://www.updc.org/library/speducator/multimedia/pdf/Sprague11-04.pdf