Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

What is PBIS?

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a data driven framework supported by Georgia Department of Education and Walton County Schools to promote teaching and supporting positive behaviors and meeting the needs of ALL students.  This school-wide approach to discipline focuses on building a safe and positive environment in which all students can learn. 

What does PBIS look like at WGES?

The foundation of PBIS at Walnut Grove Elementary School is the four school wide expectations (P-A-W-S):

• Practice Safety
• Act Responsibly
• Work Towards Success
• Show Respect

In addition to our behavior expectations, PBIS has four other components: 

1. A behavior matrix which explains behavior expectations

   • The behavior matrix is a detailed description of expected behavior in each setting of the school. For example, in the Cafeteria students Show Respect by following the monitor’s directions. Students Practice Safety by walking in a line. The behavior Matrix is posted all around the school. A copy of the Matrix can also be found on the school website.

2. Direct teaching of the expectations

   • Throughout the school year, students will be taught how to behave according to the four expectations. Teachers will help students learn what the expectations “look” and “sound” like in every setting during the school day. These lessons are taught and reinforced throughout the school year as a regular part of our instructional program.

3. PBIS PAW TRACKS

   • Acknowledging and reinforcing positive behavior is one of the best ways to change inappropriate behavior and encourage appropriate behavior. At WGES, we use PBIS Rewards to reward students who 

     exhibit positive behavior and meet the expectations. Each student will earn PAW TRACKS for meeting the behavior expectations.  When Tracks are earned, students can shop on-line at PAW-MART as well as participate in periodic school-wide celebrations. 

4. Noise Zones: Red, Yellow, Green