Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School is starting the 2009-10 school year by taking a positive approach to improving student behavior by implementing a system called Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports.

PBIS is a research-based, school-wide approach to improve school climate and create a safer and more effective school. The process focuses on improving a school's ability to teach expectations and support positive behavior for all students.

Be respectful, be responsible and be a problem solver -- these guidelines spell out exactly what is expected from students at all times in the classrooms, hallways, stairs, restrooms, buses and cafeteria. When students arrived on the first day of school, they were taught specifically how to act in each of these situations, with topics ranging from dress code to bus behavior.

Teachers and staff members continuously encourage students to display these appropriate behaviors by handing out "Chargers Charging in the Right Direction" tickets when they see students demonstrating expected behaviors. Students turn their tickets in to the office, where they are put in a daily rewards drawing. Daily winners can choose prizes such as pretzels, juice and other snacks. All tickets are put back into the drawing at the end of the week, and two names are drawn on Fridays for a larger reward, such as parking in the teachers' parking lot or being first in the lunch line.

By focusing on the positive, and noticing and rewarding students when they meet expectations for good behavior, referrals for negative behaviors should decrease. Fewer behavioral referrals will results in less detention time and more time in the classroom. The more time students spend in the classroom, the more they learn. There are still consequences bad behavior, but there is more discussion about better choices and an emphasis on proactive teaching.

Data on problem behavior is collected daily. That way, staff members can look at the place, the time of day and the circumstances that create the problem behavior. Decisions then are made based on this data and individual plans are corrected for students who need more support. Data also will show patterns of behavior, which will inform school staff members what types of booster lessons need to be taught. The overall goal is to promote positive student behaviors and improve academic achievement.

Kara Muthwig is the school psychologist for the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District. Community Voices allows residents to sound off about their community. Send your thank you notes, your accolades and your observations to Everest Herald Community Voices, 800 Scott St., Wausau WI 54402 or e-mail to submitnews@
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