__ LIPS – Leading in Public Schools

Positive Behaviours for Learning

In keeping with the spirit of sharing and learning from each other, I was one of a small number of people from Hunter Central Coast Region who attended and observed at some training days held recently at Penrith for Western Sydney Region.  A large number of Western Sydney schools has been committing to the Positive Behaviours for Learning program which was featured in the most recent edition of Side by Side (Issue 4 September 2006, Strong Foundations, Page 13)

The PBL system adopted by the Western Sydney region is based on the Positive Behavioural Interventions and Support (PBIS) model developed in the United States in the early 1990s and used in 4,200 American schools.  Professor Tim Lewis and Dr Lori Newcomer, from the University of Missouri, have assisted the Western Sydney region to roll out the PBL program by running a number of two-day workshops for school teams and coaches on how to implement PBL in their schools.

A key feature of this program is the reliance on strong data and the building of positive approaches across a whole range of areas.  There will be further thought around the ways that we can structure our learning environments to create optimum conditions for both learners and teachers.

For some background on the program, you can visit the US website at http://www.pbis.org/main.htm  You will notice that this site and the program it describes is called Positive Behavioural Interventions and Support.  Positive Behaviours for Learning is a local adaptation and seeks to ensure the emphasis on the key focus of creation of positive environments for learning.

I am aware that many schools have already made some very positive gains in Values Education and in a range of other programs.  Who is interested in some discussions next term about how we can build on work in creating positive learning environments.

Are any of you working with a good program which you believe has ‘made a difference?’

How do you know it has made a difference?

Let’s share some ideas around this.  Make use of the ‘Post your own‘ link..go on..you know you want to.