Positive Behavior Support (PBS) programs help schools define and support appropriate behaviors by explicitly teaching students about good behaviors and including it as part of the curriculum.  In PBS schools, the staff members act together to set common expectations for both learning and behaviors that support learning.  Using their own data, schools can address specific concerns and use proven practices to address those matters.  The PBS approach reinforces students for exhibiting the correct behavior as it recognizes that success in school is contagious. Outcomes include decreased discipline problems, increased academic achievement and improved school safety.

Thoreau School has adopted a set of beliefs that reflects the school spirit.  These beliefs direct us in our establishing school expectations, our approach of ongoing teaching, our goal of reaching all students, and turning to data to prioritize resources.  Critical evaluation of our work in these areas is conducted daily and will lead to additional professional development.

SAFE, RESPECTFUL AND RESPONSIBLE:

The visual Triangle Chart outlining behaviors that fall “Above the Line” of expectations, “Below the line” of expectations and those that qualify as “Bottom line” behaviors are guided by the universal goal of having a school that is Safe, Respectful and Responsible. As a guiding rule, 80% of students are expected to behave in an “Above the Line” way at any one time, 15% will need support to learn additional skills throughout the day, and 5% will need more substantial interventions that require the MMSD Code of Conduct.  Helping students stay above the line in their behavior, or return to above the line behaviors through additional education and support, is the goal. As always, keeping individuals, classrooms and the school safe, if bottom line behaviors do occur, continues to be a Madison Metropolitan School District promise.

Communication with our parents to provide common language, shared expectations and an effective process is powerful. Being SAFE, RESPECTFUL and RESPONSIBLE are guidelines of behavior used in all areas of our life and relationships…in home, school and community…at all ages. We believe at Thoreau, working together to give this message of such importance can only lead to increased life-long success for our students.

Please feel free to browse a list of books that help reinforce the PBS system.  You can also browse the Thoreau Library system with these helpful instructions.