Developing and Implementing Tier One Universal Supports

Presenters Michael Bausano, LMSW, MA. –Chair – Behavioral Steering Committee Stephanie Lathrop, LLMSW –Chair – PBIS Committee Greg Lynn, BS. –Chair – PBIS Committee Tier One

Today’s Agenda Welcome and Introduction Our PBIS Journey TIER One Interventions Work in Progress PBIS Committee Survey Ideas For New Teams Wrap-Up

Wesley School Center-based special education program Operated by the Muskegon Area ISD Provide educational opportunities for 200 students, ages 3 – 26, with severe developmental disabilities Serve 12 local school districts of Muskegon County.

New Staff Orientation, Referral Team, Technology, Facilities, Professional Development School Improvement Team PBIS Peer Review Committee Professional Development Safety Committee SWIS Data TCI/Devereux Training TIER Classroom Wesley School Behavioral Guidelines Assistive/Alternative Com. Assistive Technology PODDS/PECS Feeding Toileting Oral Motor Skills SPOT Curriculum Committee Sex Education Literacy Pilot Unique Learning System Special Events Administration Behavior Steering Committee Functional Skills Committee Academics Committee

Our PBIS Journey Currently 4 th year of Implementation Pre 2009 –Expert “Behavioral Consultation” Model –Therapeutic Crisis Intervention –Wesley School Behavioral Guidelines –Develop and Implement Tier One –Devereux Safe and Supportive Approaches –Refine Pre-Existent Tier Three Structures 2010 – 2011 –Refine Tier One – Emphasis: Universal Supports 2011 – 2012 –Develop Tier Two 2012 – 2013 Implement Tier Two and Expand Tier Three

Noteworthy Resources and Initiatives

Wesley PBIS Structure Tier 1: –Classroom Expectations –Professional Development –SWIS –STAR Coupons –Staff Incentives –Universal Supports

Current Tier One Interventions Classroom Expectations Content designed for specific classrooms Student population and staff driven Visually displayed Reviewed daily

Current Tier One Interventions Professional Development Mindfulness and Self – Awareness New Staff Orientation Preventing Compassion Fatigue Physical Restraint Practice Wesley Behavioral Support Guidelines

Current Tier One Interventions Universal Supports What are they? –System-wide supports/strategies to promote positive behaviors and prevent problem behaviors. –Can be individualized and/or applied to a large group. Why are they needed? –Highly effective practices in teaching and supporting students. Where are they implemented? –In the classroom, throughout building and campus.

Current Tier One Interventions Universal Supports Functional Communication Environmental Supports Behavioral Supports Staff Supports Educational Supports Social Skills

Universal Supports Functional Communication Individualized Portable Across all environments Examples: –Verbal –Picture Communication –Sign language –Voice output device

Universal Supports Environmental Supports Classroom and individual schedules Classroom expectations posted Classroom clutter- free. Classroom set-up communicates function and expectations

Universal Supports Behavioral Supports Classroom Expectations –Model, Teach and Practice Data-Driven Decision Making Preventative Strategies –Break cards –STAR coupon –Preferred activity following a non-preferred activity –Token Board

Universal Supports Staff Support Adult-to-Student Interactions –Age and gender appropriate Conversations –Respect student and privacy –Student-focused –Promote learning Modeling Promote Independence Personal Appearance –Attitude, dress and presentation

Universal Supports Educational Supports Individualized Content –Modifying academics to student’s needs. Multiple Modes of Learning –Visual, verbal, hands- on, kinesthetic, audio and musical. Student Engagement –Focus on individual interests/motivation.

Universal Supports Social Skills Peer-to-Peer Opportunities Appropriate Social Behavior Non-verbal Cues –Facial expression –Body-language –Recognizing feelings of self and others.

Current TIER One Interventions and Incentives

Expectation Week Wesley STAR Song Weekly STAR Drawings Bulletin Boards Wesley Star Man Staff Incentives –Weekly –Monthly

Current TIER One Interventions and Incentives SWIS Behavioral Data PBIS and Curriculum Lesson Plans Monthly Assembly Wesley STAR Bracelet Fundraiser Staff Parking Lot Early Leave Lunch W/Administration

PBIS - A Work in Progress… Emphasize Our Wesley “Star Man” as a positive role model Webcam for Weekly STAR drawings Meet the needs of our SXI population more effectively Refine incentives for both staff and students

PBIS Committee Survey Initial Considerations –PBIS Vision –Committee Size –Roles –Time Management –Staff buy-in Creating Staff Support –Administrative Leadership –Core Group/Tier Chairs –Share Data –Celebrate Successes –Make it fun

Ideas For New Teams View PBIS as a work-in-progress. Recognize administrative support and presence is essential. Adapt PBIS to fit your existing school culture and structure. Braid PBIS with other key initiatives. Stay the course and expect obstacles…adapt, improvise and overcome. Celebrate often and have fun!

Thank You! Questions Ideas Feedback