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July 26, 2007

25 PA School Districts Trained in School-wide Positive Behavioral Support

In late June, the state Department of Education (PDE) successfully concluded our first Cohort Training for School-wide Positive Behavior Support (PBS) for 25 PA school districts and roughly 250 participants over the three days. PBS is a major shift in the way all students’ behavioral health is addressed in schools. It focuses on wellness and inclusion. More on PBS can be found on PBIS.org.

The participants included building principals, supervisors of special education, teachers, community providers, community agency staff, Intermediate Unit Training and Consultation Staff (TaCS), and administrators of BSE, PDE, and DPW. Members of the PBS State Leadership Team attended, including representatives from the Department of Education, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Children’s Bureau, the Disability Rights Network Project, the Education Law Center, and the Community Providers Association. There will be follow-up technical assistance and support to the school/community teams. 

This training was held in conjunction with the national advisor, Dr. Lucille Eber, PDE has engaged to implement this process. Dr Eber agreed with all participants that Pennsylvania is " …off to a great start!"

Is Your District Onboard?

Interested community members including families should review the list of participating schools to see if their district has joined this transformative work. If your district is on the list, you can contact your building principle for more information, including joining the local work. If your district is not on the list, you can urge them to participate and contact the PBS State Leadership Team, 1-800-446-5607, rboyle@pattanpgh.net.

You can also follow and comment on the PA PBS implementation by visiting www.sharedwork.org/section.cfm?as=4&ms=4.