PBIS program rewards positive deeds

The Newton Community School District’s rewards typically draw a lot of cheering.

If you have any doubts, announce to a some third-graders a dance party is about to happen, and listen to the reaction.

That’s one of the reasons why staff at district elementary schools have a set of principles from an program called Positive Behavioral Instructional Supports, or PBIS, for the past several years. The main concept behind the system is to reward positive behavior and actions rather than relying so heavily on consequences or punitive discipline.

Using a ticket system and rewarding students with small items, such as colorful pencils, is another element to the program. All NCSD campuses use PBIS in some form.

Lisa Pageler, a special education teacher at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, said students respond better to positive rewards than consequences with the K-3 enrollment at her campus.

“It really helps the academic performance,” she said.

In Thomas Jefferson’s system, “Gold Pride” tickets are issued to entire classrooms. These tickets are entered into a weekly drawing for rewards such as a classroom popcorn party.

There is also a “Rock Star of the Week” award issued. Not only is the recipient recognized out loud in a PA announcement, there is also a certificate and a small prize.

“Red Pride” tickets can be issued to any student at any time for “being caught doing something good.” This could be awarded for nearly any type of safe, respectful or responsible action.

An accumulation of the tickets allows students to get in to a regular rewards assembly. November’s reward assembly was a dance party, followed by a December movie showing at Newton High School, a February board game party. April’s reward is an ice cream party.

As the district moves from having two K-3 and two 4-6 campuses to four K-4 and a 5-6/7-8 intermediate/middle school building in August, it’s possible PBIS will look much different in the district in the years ahead.

Trisca Mick, a school administration manager at Thomas Jefferson, said staff communication is just as important in recognizing progress among students as it is in sharing areas where improvement is needed.

“A rewards program is only as good as the staff that’s implementing it,” Mick said.

While there will always be moments when disruptive or aggressive action must be addressed, Mick said, the days of only addressing negative behavior are long gone.

“Discipline takes away from learning time,” Mick said. “Whether it’s picking up some trash at a cafeteria table or simply following directions, it’s important to let students know their positive behavior is not only noticed, but also welcomed and appreciated.”

Contact Jason W. Brooks at
641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com