In an effort to improve student discipline, increase the school’s sense of safety and support positive academic outcomes, the Coffee County School System introduced a new program four years ago titled, PBIS – Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support. Dr. James Banks, Assistant Superintendent, directs the program for the district while Ms. Aubrey Rossignol serves as the PBIS Coordinator.
Coffee County Schools is one of 1,200 Georgia schools and 27,000 nationwide that have been trained in PBIS. Implementation of the program has saved countless instructional hours otherwise lost to discipline issues. The premise of PBIS is that continual teaching, combined with acknowledgement or feedback of positive student behavior will reduce unnecessary discipline and promote a climate of greater productivity, safety and leaving.
The PBIS Framework aligns with school climate and encourages all involved from staff to students to see the positive in others, praise their actions and prevents time wasted on having to correct inappropriate behavior.
PBIS coaches have been designated on every school campus. These individuals who vary from Assistant Principals to Principals display the positive traits, which encourages others to believe in and implement the PBIS framework.
Last week during the monthly principals’ meeting, all of the schools were recognized for their current progress status by Ms. Aubrey Rossignol, the PBIS Coordinator for the district. Schools were given certificates from the Department of Education to display in their school.
Operational status was earned by all of the systems elementary schools and Coffee Middle School. Installing status was earned by Alternative Education, Coffee High, GWC Freshman Campus and Wiregrass Regional College and Career Academy.
By reaching operational status the school has participated in the Okefenokee RESA training covering all Tiers. Monthly meetings are held and the PBIS Team is actively promoting PBIS on their campus
Installing status represents those schools who have participated in PBIS Training through Okefenokee RESA and are building their Tiers by conducting self-assessment surveys and conducting monthly meetings.