Curriculum

To direct and reinforce positive behavior, Sky Crossing Elementary School has implemented programs that supplement the lesson plans being delivered daily.

PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports)

"PBIS is an evidence-based approach that focuses on preventing challenging behavior through the implementation of positive, proactive strategies throughout the entire school. It teaches pro-social behaviors, recognizes students who exhibit expected behavior, and changes the environment so it supports positive behavior and creates safe, learning communities." (Janney, 2008)

One of the foremost advances in school-wide discipline is the emphasis on school-wide systems of support that include proactive strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors to create positive school environments. Instead of using a piecemeal approach of individual behavioral management plans, a continuum of positive behavior support for all students within a school is implemented in areas including the classroom and non-classroom settings (such as hallways, buses, and restrooms). Positive behavior support is an application of a behaviorally based systems approach to enhance the capacity of schools, families, and communities to design effective environments that improve the link between research-validated practices and the environments in which teaching and learning occur.

“This is a framework for teaching children appropriate behavior and providing the support necessary to sustain that behavior. PBIS identifies student needs, develops strategies, and evaluates practices. With our mascot being the Aviators, Sky Crossing students will show everyone how to ‘Earn your WINGS,’” says Principal Chad Caudle.

What Makes PBIS Different?

In the past, school-wide discipline has focused mainly on reacting to specific student misbehavior by implementing punishment-based strategies including reprimands, loss of privileges, office referrals, suspensions, and expulsions. Research has shown that the implementation of punishment, especially when it is used inconsistently and in the absence of other positive strategies, is ineffective. Introducing, modeling, and reinforcing positive social behavior is an important step of a student's educational experience. Teaching behavioral expectations and rewarding students for following them is a much more positive approach than responding after misbehavior has occurred. The purpose of school-wide PBIS is to establish a climate in which appropriate behavior is the norm.