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School Improvement through Positive Behavioral Intervention (PBIS) Systems
India White • May 27, 2023
School Improvement through PBIS Systems!
School Improvement Success through PBIS Systems and Support
As a school administrator, creating a positive school environment is essential for student success. It has been said that students are a product of their environment. Positive behavior intervention systems
can help promote a safe and supportive school culture that fosters academic achievement and social-emotional growth. According to a study by the National Center for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, positive behavior systems can improve academic achievement, reduce disciplinary incidents, and promote a positive school culture (Sugai & Horner, 2009). As we look to find success for school improvement, we will explore 10 tips on how to improve the school environment as a school administrator through positive behavior systems.
1. Develop a clear and concise behavior plan:
A behavior plan should outline expectations and goals
for student behavior, consequences for misbehavior, and rewards for positive behavior. Behavior plans should look for restorative actions for all learners and provide a path for students to start fresh after returning back to school from a setback or a mistake. Behavior plans should be discussed with students and agreed upon by the students and leaders so that everyone is on the same page. These behavior plans can provide incentives via classroom systems, i.e. ticket or money system, tokens and etc. When behavior plans are effective, students will show a change of behavior in a positive direction, which will ultimate show growth in their overall academic and social development.
2. Involve all stakeholders:
When developing a behavior plan or a schoolwide PBIS system, teachers, parents, and students should be involved in the development and implementation of the behavior plan to ensure buy-in and support.
Further, there should be moments of accountability and follow-up to ensure that the plan is being implemented with fidelity, and that ineffective parts of the plan can be modified. Holding conversations with faculty can support the implementation of behavior plans. Making phone calls, sending emails, and updating school marquees to update parents and stakeholders can ensure that leaders will remain accountable to stakeholders and that the PBIS system will remain effective throughout the school year.
3. Provide professional development:
District and School building leaders should plan out professional development on positive behavior systems and strategies
for managing student behavior for all teachers they are accounted for. Developing IPDPs in which teachers can use professional development sessions provided by the district or during a PLC/faculty meeting can ensure that there is traceable growth with results as teachers use their information from these professional development sessions with their students.
4. Use data to inform decision-making:
Leaders should be intentional in collecting and analyzing data on student behavior to identify areas of improvement and adjust the PBIS behavior plans as needed.
When looking at assessment data or behavior data, there should be moments throughout each quarter in which leaders can assess and see where the areas of focus are and develop a plan to strengthen these areas. While looking at the data, consider implementing Tiered levels of support via a Tiered PBIS plan, or MTSS/RTI system for academic supports. Having conversation with district leaders for strategies, as well as speaking with seasoned and veteran principals and district leaders can help navigate administrators and teachers towards tangible next steps of success.
5. Celebrate positive behaviors:
Recognize and celebrate students who exhibit positive behavior to reinforce desired behaviors. It is imperative that teachers and educational leaders overemphasize the changes in behavior as students make strides towards academic and behavioral success. Having celebrations or assemblies on school campuses
including donut parties, field day with activities, or a field trip to reward learners can help students feel valued and confirm that their efforts paid off. Making announcements over the intercom to compliment students who have made progress, and visiting classrooms with certificates can help boost the morale of learners as they make gains and their academic and behavioral achievements.
6. Provide consistent consequences:
Consistently enforce consequences for misbehavior to promote accountability and deter future misbehavior. Enforcing consequences does not
always amount to a disciplinary referral, suspension, or expulsion.
Further, when a PBIS system is established effectively, it can result in a decrease in suspensions and disciplinary referrals schoolwide. Further, research and studies conducted by Skinner speak about Operant Conditioning, and how punishment increases aggression, creates fear, and does not always guide towards the desired behavior.
There can be consequences through parent meetings, suspension of rewards on campus, and simple reminders to reinforce positive behavior so that students have a roadmap for returning to success in their actions and academic performance.
7. Use positive reinforcement:
Use positive reinforcement, such as praise and rewards, to encourage positive behavior for all students. Positive reinforcement has been shown to boost the morale and motivation of learners. Further, it helps to build positive relationships between teacher and students. This helps establish trust and motivate learners to use their energy towards excelling in their classes.
8. Foster a sense of community:
Create a sense of community by promoting teamwork, collaboration, and inclusivity. When a sense of community is established, students will feel like they have ownership within that community and that their voice and presence matters. Students will build relationships with their peers, become self-aware and develop healthy responsible decision-making skills in the classroom and while in their community. Further, this can motivate students
to act as a role model to students being promoted into their school, and for students that are younger that may look up to them.
9. Encourage student voice:
Sometimes, the main factor missing towards a student’s success is the empowerment of student voice. Take time to encourage students to provide feedback on the behavior plan and school culture to promote a sense of ownership
and engagement. Students will have a sense of ownership in the schoolwide PBIS system, and will be persuaded that they have influence on the trajectory of the school’s culture. As this transpires, students will evolve into confident students that aspire to not disappoint themselves or their teachers, leaders or stakeholders with behavior that is not conducive for learning.
10. Continuously evaluate and adjust:
Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the behavior plan and adjust as needed to ensure it is meeting the needs of the school community.
As you evaluate and adjust, make sure you keep all stakeholders, parents, and teachers informed, as well as send positive messages during moments of uncertainty. Develop a bond with your administrative team and within your community so that they trust your leadership ability and are convinced that the PBIS system is effective as you turnaround your school’s academic and behavioral climate.
Conclusion
Positive Behavior Intervention Systems (PBIS) have been known to cause success for school leaders when aiming to turn around their school culture. By implementing these 10 tips, school administrators can create a positive school environment that promotes academic success and social-emotional growth. Choose to make a plan towards a schoolwide turnaround in your school culture as you establish effective positive behavior intervention systems and support for all learners.
References:
Sugai, G., & Horner, R. H. (2009). Defining and describing schoolwide positive behavior support. Handbook of Positive Behavior Support, 307-326.
Forgiveness: Walking in G.R.I.T. and Grace Forgiveness isn't for the faint of heart. It takes G.R.I.T.—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—to truly walk in forgiveness, especially when you've been wronged, mistreated, or misunderstood. But there's no greater example of gritty forgiveness than Jesus Himself. As He hung on the cross—suffering, bleeding, and abandoned—He didn’t curse His enemies. He didn’t demand justice in that moment. Instead, He looked toward heaven and said: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Let that sink in. The very people who had betrayed, mocked, beaten, and crucified Him were the ones He forgave. And He did it in real time, while the pain was still fresh. That’s Great Resilience In Time. And as followers of Christ, we’re called to do the same. We’re called to forgive those who have: • Abused us—physically, emotionally, or spiritually • Slandered us behind our backs • Taken advantage of our kindness • Lied to us, hurt us, or wronged us in ways words can’t capture Forgiveness doesn’t mean the pain was okay. It doesn’t mean you return to harmful situations. But it does mean we release people into God’s hands. We stop carrying the weight of bitterness. And we trust that nobody gets by—God is just, but He is also merciful. “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” — Luke 5:32 God operates in mercy—not because people always deserve it, but because His heart is for restoration. And if we want God to operate in mercy toward us, we must be willing to pray that same mercy over those who have hurt us. Hence, I want to share with you 5 Tips for Operating in Forgiveness Through G.R.I.T. and Grace: 1. Growth Mindset: Choose to Learn, Not Linger Instead of replaying the pain, ask God what He wants to teach you through it. Every hurt can become holy ground if we allow it to transform us instead of trap us. Forgiveness is a chance to grow. Even when you find yourself lingering in the memories and wondering "What if?", choose to use the moments of hurt as an opportunity to heal and evolve into a greater version of you. 2. Resilience: Bounce Back with God’s Strength Resilience doesn’t mean you don’t feel the pain—it means you refuse to let it define you. Forgiveness builds spiritual stamina. Each time you choose grace, you build strength in your spirit. The enemy wanted that trial, setback, dissapointment to cause you to give up on God and yourself. However, you must believe that no weapon formed against you shall propser. Never allow Satan to take away your song or your purpose, no matter the weapon or vessel he chooses to attack you through. 3. Self-Efficacy: Believe You Can Forgive with God’s Help Forgiveness may feel impossible—but with God, you can do all things. Self-efficacy is about believing in your ability to move forward. Speak life over yourself: "With God’s help, I can forgive." This is not always an easy process but you can do it! Choose to speak positively about your situation. Tell God that you forgive them and take moments to think about what Jesus must have felt at the cross as he died for you. Sometimes, we are made to emulate the light of Christ so that others will have HOPE. That means we must be willing to be curicifed at thier hands for the Glory of God. However, be encouraged, for the Lord will restore you. 4. Time Management: Don’t Waste Time on Bitterness Bitterness drains energy and time. Let forgiveness help you refocus your time and emotional energy toward purpose, healing, and joy. Steward your time wisely—it’s too precious to spend in bondage. Take time for self-care. Cry it out, seek therapy, have an outlet that will help you develop and heal and mature in a healthy fashion. Understand that all of us fall short; people will most likely dissapoint you, so flow in grace. 5. Great Resilience In Time: Forgive Even When It Still Hurts Forgiveness is often a process, not a one-time event. It requires Great Resilience In Time —the ability to keep choosing grace, even when the pain is fresh. Jesus forgave while He was still on the cross. We, too, can learn to forgive even while healing. Through your forgiveness you'll find revelation that will bring your closer to your heavenly Father. Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts you can give—to others, yes, but also to yourself. It frees your heart. It releases your soul. It makes space for God to heal what others tried to break. Jesus didn’t wait for an apology. He forgave in real time—with G.R.I.T. and grace. So today, let’s strive to do the same. Let’s live with: • A growth mindset that says, “God can use even this.” • Resilience that says, “I will not be broken.” • Self-efficacy that says, “I can do this with God.” • Time management that says, “I will not waste one more second holding a grudge.” Let’s walk in Great Resilience In Time and extend the same mercy we so desperately need. Because forgiveness isn’t weakness. It’s worship. So, wipe you tears, forgive, reset, start over, and thrive through G.R.I.T. and Grace. Love, India Want more? Visit www.india-white.com to schedule a meeting or book me for an event. Want a copy of the Grit Workbook for Clergy (Pastors) Click here!
### April Newsletter: A Month of Grit and Growth April is here, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting month filled with powerful opportunities to build grit, inspire educators, and impact students. From conferences to new resources, I’m thrilled to share what’s happening this month and how you can get involved. Speaking at MCTM’s Annual Math Conference in Minnesota I’m honored to present at the Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Conference this month, where I’ll be diving into how to create a Gritty Thinking Classroom. In this session, we’ll explore how the G.R.I.T. framework aligns with Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms, helping educators develop a culture of perseverance, resilience, and self-efficacy in their math students. If you’re attending, I’d love to connect and discuss ways to empower students through productive struggle. G.R.I.T. Workbooks and Resources The G.R.I.T. Workbook series continues to grow, providing teachers, students, and parents with practical tools to develop growth mindset, resilience, and time management. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your own grit or help students push through challenges, these workbooks offer actionable strategies to build confidence and perseverance. G.R.I.T. Online Courses and Masterclass For those looking to take a deeper dive into grit, we’re rolling out G.R.I.T. online courses and mini-workshops designed to help educators and leaders implement grit-based strategies in their schools and classrooms. Stay tuned for our Masterclass, which will provide an interactive learning experience on how to cultivate grit in both personal and professional settings. G.R.I.T. Podcast: Conversations That Inspire The G.R.I.T. Podcast continues to feature insightful conversations with educators, leaders, and changemakers who are passionate about building perseverance and resilience. Each episode offers motivation and strategies to help you stay committed to your goals and push through challenges. Be sure to tune in for inspiring discussions that fuel personal and academic growth. Stay Connected If you’re looking for more ways to engage with the G.R.I.T. movement, be sure to check out: - www.india-white.com – Explore my work, speaking engagements, and resources - www.gritacademy.us – Learn about G.R.I.T. Academy, where we help students and educators develop the skills they need to thrive This month is all about embracing grit, growth, and resilience. Whether through conferences, podcasts, or online learning, I’m excited to continue this journey with you. Let’s keep pushing forward and building a culture of perseverance together. Stay gritty and keep striving for greatness!
Excited to Speak at MCTM’s Annual Math Conference: Building a Gritty Thinking Classroom! I can’t wait to present at MCTM’s Annual Math Conference this April in Minnesota. This opportunity is truly special because I’ll be diving into two of my passions—grit and Building Thinking Classrooms—to help educators create Gritty Thinking Classrooms that foster resilience, problem-solving, and perseverance in students. Why Grit Matters in the Math Classroom Math is not just about numbers and equations; it’s about persistence, self-efficacy, and growth mindset. So many students struggle with productive struggle, but when we intentionally build grit, they learn how to push through challenges rather than give up. By implementing Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. framework, we help students: - Develop a growth mindset - Build resilience in problem-solving - Strengthen self-efficacy - Improve time management and perseverance Connecting Grit with Building Thinking Classrooms Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms has transformed the way we engage students in math learning. When we merge BTC structures with grit, we create an environment where students: - Tackle challenging problems head-on - Collaborate with peers to build understanding - Learn to embrace struggle as part of growth - Develop confidence in their ability to succeed In my session, we’ll explore how BTC’s 14 elements align with grit and how teachers can create a culture of perseverance in their classrooms. See You in Minnesota! If you’re attending MCTM’s Annual Math Conference, I’d love to connect. Let’s talk about how to empower students to think, struggle, and grow. Together, we can build Gritty Thinking Classrooms that transform how students learn and engage with mathematics. Let’s get gritty! See you soon in Minnesota!
🌟 Excited to share my VCTM recap video! 🎥 Join me as I engage with teachers during my keynote, discussing strategies to best support our 8th grade math students. Together, we can make a difference! 💪📚 Check it out and let’s keep the conversation going! #drindiawhite #nctm #ncsm #vctm #vermont #nabse #naacp #education #doe
Reflection on The Power of Grit Keynote to Vermont Teachers Speaking to the dedicated educators of Vermont about the Power of Grit was an inspiring and reaffirming experience. As I shared the pillars of grit—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Time Management, and Self-Efficacy—it was evident that these concepts resonated deeply with the teachers in the room. Their commitment to fostering perseverance and confidence in their students was both heartening and energizing. Throughout the keynote, I emphasized the transformative role of a growth mindset—how students who embrace challenges and see effort as a path to mastery are more likely to persist through difficulties. I could see educators nodding in agreement as they reflected on their own students' struggles and triumphs. Encouraging students to reframe failure as a learning opportunity is a crucial shift that builds not just better mathematicians, writers, and thinkers but also more resilient individuals. Resilience was another cornerstone of the discussion. I shared stories and strategies to help students push past obstacles and develop the endurance needed to navigate academic and personal challenges. The engagement in the room reaffirmed that teachers, too, are models of resilience, especially in today’s educational climate. One of the most practical elements of the keynote focused on time management—helping students (and educators) break down overwhelming tasks, set realistic goals, and prioritize effectively. The response to this section showed that time management remains a crucial skill, not only for students learning to structure their studies but also for teachers juggling multiple responsibilities. Finally, we explored the power of self-efficacy, that deep-seated belief that one’s efforts lead to success. We discussed ways to cultivate this mindset in students through intentional feedback, scaffolding, and celebrating small wins. Seeing the teachers reflect on how they could implement these strategies in their classrooms was incredibly rewarding. This keynote reaffirmed my belief that grit is not just a personal trait—it’s a culture that educators can foster in their classrooms, schools, and communities. Vermont’s educators left the session with new insights, actionable strategies, and a renewed commitment to equipping students with the perseverance and confidence needed for success. I am grateful for the opportunity to share this message, and I look forward to seeing the impact of their work in cultivating grit across the state. Thanks Vermont Rockstars. Stay gritty!
✨ I had a phenomenal time speaking for the VCTM Rockstars in Vermont! We dove into how to reach all learners and stay motivated through grit. 💪 I can't wait to see the results from the grit assessment and framework! Stay gritty, y’all! 🌟 #drindiawhite #vctm #vermont #grit #educators #math
🌨️ Greetings from Vermont! Loving the beautiful snow! ❄️ Can’t wait to get gritty with all you rockstars! Let’s do this! 💪✨ #drindiawhite #grit #vermont #math #teachers #snow #nctm #ncsm #bwxme #nabse
🌟 Super excited to announce that I’ll be the keynote speaker at the VCTM Annual Conference in beautiful Vermont! 🎉 Huge thanks to the amazing VCTM rockstars for this incredible opportunity! Let’s dive into the power of grit together! 💪✨ I can’t wait to share insights and connect with fellow educators, students, and math enthusiasts. Join us by registering below: https://vctm.wildapricot.org/event-5950535 Let’s make this an unforgettable experience! #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #vctm #teachers #students #math (I don’t own music copyright)
Join us on the Let's Get Gritty Podcast with Dr. India White, featuring special guest Heidi Diercks, a retired educator, and life coach! Check out Heidi's coaching nuggets here :chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=89c50e1d3a&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1826500568311074330&th=19590896f43b0e1a&view=att&zw&disp=inline&acrobatPromotionSource=GmailNativeViewer Watch on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/.../Lets-Get-Gritty-Podcast... #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #lifecoach #education
🌟 Super grateful to announce that I’ve been selected to speak at FCTM this year! 🎉 Let’s dive into the topic of grit and its importance in education! 💪✨ Be sure to register by visiting their website. A huge thank you to the FCTM leaders for this incredible opportunity! 🙌 #DrIndiaWhite #Grit #TEDx #Math #Educators #Teachers #Students #FCTM #NCTM #NCSM