PBIS seems to be working

DAYTON-The November 2 Dayton School Board work session topics included a presentation from the Dean of Students Hannelee Farrell about the Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) the district is using, as well as a discussion about the search for a permanent superintendent. ASB Representatives Grace Trump and Hudson Reser interviewed the Board and administrative staff for their leadership project, “Spill the Tea with ASB.”

Farrell explained that the PBIS is based on systems and practices. The outcome data is used to support teachers in meeting the different needs of students to positively change behavior. From there, they collect additional data to determine how to move forward with decisions for the student. Positive behavior interventions are used for reducing negative behaviors by focusing on the individual student and environmental factors. When a student exhibits a negative behavior, staff are being trained to work together to determine what is triggering the behavior. Then they are being taught to use restorative practices to help kids accept and take responsibility for their actions.

The staff leadership team has developed the Bulldog BRAVE acronym for behavior expectations that are clearly displayed around the schools. An example for behavior expectations in the hallway for B and R which is Bold and Responsible is to always have a hallway pass, to return quickly by walking, and not running, and to be mindful of voice level which for hallways is a zero. All teachers implement this with all students for a consistent approach. Staff takes part by wearing shirts with the BRAVE acronym on it and school colors. They also work to acknowledge positive behavior and accomplishments for the staff by placing recognition stickers for staff on a board in the work room.

To collect data, staff is reporting incidents in Skyward (the student portal). Here they can assess the number, frequency, and type of incidents, as well as what interventions were done. Specific middle and high school type of behavior issues include truancy, tobacco or vape use, fighting, academics, foul language, student safety, misuse of cell phone, and being disrespectful.

Some interventions include the use of the recovery room, holding a parent-teacher conference, the loss of a privilege, holding a student-teacher conference, contacting the parent, a dean referral, suspension, detention, giving a verbal message or warning and classroom removal.

Students who have been reported for negative behaviors are categorized in a tier system from one to three, with three needing the most intervention. Tier three students are mostly placed on a modified school day schedule oftentimes using the recovery room. For these students, the aim is to integrate them back into the regular classroom schedule. To get there, staff involves both the student and parents to develop a behavior modification plan to have support in place to achieve specific goals tailored for each behavior challenge.

Periodic meetings are scheduled to review progress and to make any adjustments. One of the supports available is the use of a school counselor. They work with the student, parents, and staff to get to the root of the problem. Farrell said, “It’s always looking back at the data and then changing mindsets because a lot of conversations, they’re looking at discipline [saying], ‘You need to kick the kid out, and I don’t want that kid back.’ And I’m saying no, that’s not how this is going to work. We’ll take them out for a while, but the goal is to put that kid back in class and help them be successful.”

One example Farrell gave was she has kids who have behavior issues check in with her to see if they have had any incidents that day before they can go to PE class. If there were no incidents, then they can go. If when they get to PE class, they start having issues, then they return to see her immediately and will miss the rest of that class. Every day, they try again. When kids are pulled from class to visit her, she provides a safe place where kids open up to her by allowing them to share their feelings about their situation.

Superintendent Rich Stewart said PBIS is designed to work over time and future updates on the progress will be given to the Board. He affirmed that the district is utilizing the counseling for the kids and they may add another counselor. They are also using Character Strong and are pursuing a work study option to offer students other opportunities for success. The goal is to keep them all in school and to get to graduation. The data for September and October already shows a decline of negative behaviors and referrals. Stewart affirmed, “There has been a significant change in two months.”

The Board discussed the search for a permanent superintendent. Stewart recommended searching for a part-time person and maintain the full-time principals. From his experience there are people out there willing to take a part-time superintendent position. He contacted two search consultant companies with experience in the State in hopes they would present their services to the Board. The cost for their services is about $7600. To search through ESD 123 costs around $10,000. The Board decided to hear presentations from representatives of the firms during a special meeting on the Tuesday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m. before the regular Wednesday Board meeting when action could be taken.

Leadership Class project “Spill the Tea with ASB”, High school junior Grace Trump and senior Hudson Reser asked the administrative staff and Board members to share information about themselves including their name, their role, their favorite part of their role and tell an appropriate bad joke. Trump filmed them as they answered and senior Genesee Smith will edit later for the first episode in the series.

Stewart went first to say his favorite part of his role as superintendent is relationship building. Secondary School Principal Guin Joyce answered that her favorite thing is hanging out with students during the day. Board Director Zac Fabian said his favorite part is helping and coaching kids. Chairman Jeff McCowen answered that he “likes to think I am making a difference.” Board Director Grant Griffen said that he likes being involved in the schools. Board member Korinda Wallace said her favorite thing is helping in the schools. Board member Aneesha Deui answered being a part of developing a vision for the schools based on what the schools need.

Student Representative Madison Richardson also answered but it could not be heard before the group went on to share jokes.