P.B.I.S.
(Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)
PBIS is an evidence-based, data-driven framework that is intended to reduce disciplinary incidents, increase a school's sense of safety, and support students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental health. Many Colorado schools are implementing PBIS and saving countless instructional hours otherwise lost to discipline. The premise of PBIS is that continual teaching, combined with acknowledgment or feedback of positive student behavior will reduce unnecessary discipline and promote a climate of greater productivity, safety, and learning. PBIS schools apply a multi-tiered approach to prevention, using disciplinary data and principles of behavior analysis to develop school-wide, targeted, and individualized interventions and supports to improve the school climate for all students.
CSCA’s PBIS Mission:
To improve the culture and climate of Colorado Springs Charter Academy and community settings through the Positive Behavioral Intervention & Supports Framework.
How Does it Work in Our School?
PBIS is set up in three tiers that support students and staff.
Tier 1
Students learn classroom expectations aligned with our Core Virtues. Teachers and staff members recognize and praise students for good behavior and model our Core Virtues. Teachers also work to prevent or respond to classroom misbehavior in line with Love and Logic, while deans offer support with the higher infraction levels and consequences listed in our handbook. Teachers and administrators work together to restore relationships in a positive and productive way.
Tier 2
Students who continue struggling with behavioral, social, emotional, and academic issues receive extra support at this level targeted to their needs. Behavior plans and contracts are implemented by administrators for the student in communication with the parents so that learning in the classroom can continue for all.
Tier 3
Tier 3 is a more intense and individualized support for students with behavioral concerns. This tier includes intensive strategies for students who are not responding to Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports and would benefit from targeted interventions matched to individual student needs. Student challenges may include behaviors that might be impacted by trauma or crisis situations (temporary or permanent) or driven by mental health needs. Tier 3 behavioral supports may be helpful for students who need more support to meet intensive social, emotional, and behavioral needs. This would include collaboration between the school, family, and community supports or providers.
CORE VIRTUES
CORE VIRTUES – CSCA’s Character Building Effort to Support a PBIS Culture
CSCA strives to offer rich educational content intended to develop character by holding students and staff accountable to our Core Virtue standards. We believe that education should not only be content-driven but should also prepare students for a solid and grounded future of citizenship. For this reason, students and staff are encouraged to display Core Virtue behaviors throughout the day as a primary way of establishing a culture of positive behavior.
Every month we highlight a specific virtue through teaching, modeling, and recognizing those who are exemplary so that we can awaken in students a love for what is good and a desire to possess these character traits themselves. This is a three-year rotation with each month focusing on specific virtues in a sequential order. We start with the basic “Respect & Responsibility” and then move to the higher order of virtues.
Our Core Virtues Cycles:
How is Core Virtue Behavior Encouraged?
Core Virtue Certificate Award:
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Homeroom teachers select one boy and one girl as the recipient of the Core Virtue of the month.
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Certificates are presented at Core Virtue Assemblies by the respective deans.
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To maximize opportunities, students can only receive one award per year.
Core Virtue Slips:
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These are given to students by any staff member when a Core Virtue is seen in action.
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Slips are placed in a container for a drawing held at the Core Virtue assembly. Winners of the drawing receive a prize as part of the public recognition of their positive behavior.
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Staff members who demonstrate the Core Virtue of the month are also selected and recognized at the assembly.
Core Virtue Assemblies:
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We believe assemblies help create a positive community of recognition for a job well done.
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Assemblies are held every other month on Friday afternoons, and parents are encouraged to attend.