Crocker Farm Implements “Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support” System

Crocker Farm Elementary School has spent the last year working on developing PBIS, an approach to education that focuses on cooperation, accountability, respect, and empathy (CARE). These core values, which will play a major role in lesson plans, were chosen by a school-wide leadership group after surveying second to sixth grade students, teachers, and families.

In addition to developing this framework, constituents authored an Educators Handbook that allows them to zero in on challenging behavior and develop appropriate intervention strategies.

“Some call this approach old-fashioned,” said Assistant Principal Derek Shea. “I see it as common sense at work.”

PBIS helps to identify and teach behavior expectations, monitor and acknowledge student behavior, and correct misbehavior. It aims to provide teaching environments that are less reactive and exclusionary and more engaging, responsive, and productive.

“Short term gains [for Crocker Farm] include a safer, kinder school environment and increased opportunities for students to act in accordance with the behavioral expectations of school,” said Guidance Counselor Tara Luce. “Long term gains include concerted development of interpersonal, self-discipline, and employment skills in addition to the academic skills that will help our students succeed in middle school, high school, college, and beyond.”

According to its website, the PBIS model has been successfully developed in thousands of schools across the country, resulting in dramatic reductions in disciplinary interventions and increases in academic achievement.

“We want all of our students to have the opportunity to take advantage of our wonderful curriculum, our talented instructors, and our superb cadre of extra-curricular opportunities,” said Shea. “PBIS is a framework that helps us reach that goal.”