"Now is the time for US to ACT"!
Bernie Travnikar

An historic event occurred on September 12, 2006. On that occasion, the Michigan Board of Education took unprecedented action which must be recognized and capitalized upon. In the clearly articulated statement made on that date (a copy of which follows in this publication) the Board made it unequivocally clear that it is the POLICY of the State Board of Education that School Wide Positive Behavior Support (PBS) will be fully implemented on behalf of ALL students, in ALL school districts in the State of Michigan. If we fail to capitalize on the courageous action the Board has taken, we will have no one to blame but ourselves, and those we care about most will suffer the consequences.

Nearly ten years ago, in 1997, when IDEA was reauthorized, it was made clear that key elements of PBS were mandated on behalf of students who were 1) eligible for special education services, and 2) "engaged in behavior which impeded learning". While this represented a great move forward, one key issue was left unaddressed and another key issue remained misunderstood. In the first instance, although still not mandated by federal law, every child,(not just those currently eligible for special education) deserves the opportunity to acquire social and problem solving skills to the best of his/her ability. Secondly, many behaviors which may not be overtly dangerous, obviously destructive, or highly disruptive may still well "impede learning" to a significant degree. It is incumbent upon those of us who lay claim to the title of "advocate" to help care providers appreciate these essential realizations. Failure to do so will only result in the increase of the numbers of students we label as "Learning Disabled". Think about all the students who avoid school attendance, fail to seek assistance as needed, or perhaps avoid eye contact. Is our best response to describe them as "unmotivated", or "unable to learn? Fortunately, and in concert with the implementation strategies of Michigan's Integrated Behavior and Learning Initiative, the new policy requires a comprehensive and pro-active approach to both behavioral and academic challenges.

It is this observer's contention that we can and should be about the business of "creating environments which assure learning for ALL students", and it is this observer's further contention that on September XX, 2006, the members of our State Board of Education afforded us the unique opportunity to do just that!

MICHIGAN STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT POLICY

The vision of the State Board of Education is to create learning environments that prepare students to be successful citizens in the 21st Century. The educational community must provide a system that will support students’ efforts to manage their own behavior and assure academic achievement. An effective behavior support system is a proactive, positive, skill-building approach for the teaching and learning of successful student behavior. Positive behavior support systems ensure effective strategies that promote pro-social behavior and respectful learning environments. Research-based positive behavior support systems are appropriate for all students, regardless of age.

The principles of Universal Education reflect the beliefs that each person deserves and needs a positive, concerned, accepting educational community that values diversity and provides a comprehensive system of Individual supports from birth to adulthood. A positive behavior support policy incorporates the demonstration and teaching of positive, proactive social behaviors throughout the school environment.

A positive behavior support system is a data-based effort that concentrates on adjusting the system that supports the student. Such a system is implemented by collaborative, school-based teams using person-centered planning. School-wide expectations for behavior are clearly stated, widely promoted, and frequently referenced. Both individual and school-wide learning and behavior problems are assessed comprehensively. Functional assessment of learning and behavior challenges is linked to an intervention that focuses on skill building. The effectiveness of the selected intervention is evaluated and reviewed, leading to data-based revisions. Positive interventions that support adaptive and pro-social behavior and build on the strengths of the student lead to an improved learning environment. Students are offered a continuum of methods that help them learn and maintain appropriate behavior and discourage violation of codes of student conduct.

In keeping with this vision, it is the policy of the State Board of Education that each school district in Michigan implement a system of school-wide positive behavior support strategies.

Adopted September 12, 2006.