Smart Start
The integration of PBS (Positive Behavior Support) and character education has enabled this elementary school to CLIMB (Character Lives in My Behavior) to new heights that have proven to be extraordinarily effective. The goals of our CLIMB initiative implemented in September, 2010, is three-fold; reduce the number of discipline referrals, involve all stakeholders, and increase student achievement within a positive learning community that emphasizes moral character and performance character. The rationale of improving student academic, behavioral and character outcomes is ensuring all students have access to the most effective and accurately implemented instructional and character/behavioral practices; thus the marriage of PBS and character. The entire staff collaborated for one full day at the end of the 2009/10 school year and then in grade level groups throughout the summer. The collaboration time resulted in specific and varied lessons for each grade level for each character trait and school procedure. The entire school focused on these traits and procedures for three full days, with multiple lessons, modeling and practice. Next, the staff met monthly to create additional character/procedural lesson plans that were integrated into each subject area for reinforcement throughout the school year.