Amy Galatz, principal

1.     Select an effective PBIS team. The team should minimally include the principal, deans or APs, classroom teachers, guidance counselor/social worker, school psychologist, paraprofessional, special education teacher, and cultural liaisons. Additionally, others to consider on the team would be cooks, custodians, bus drivers, parents, and students. Most importantly, select the right people. Ensure the members set a positive tone, are respected by others in the building, and are energetic and creative planners.

2.    Above all and most importantly, the principal must be the key facilitator. As mentioned above, one of the key factors to successful implementation of PBIS is surrounding yourself with a great team. However, it is crucially important you as the principal are “driving the ship” and creating a vision for what PBIS will look like in your building.

• Principals must attend training sessions with your team. That means you are not on your cell phones (taking calls, texting, emailing, etc.) during the training sessions or leaving early before the session is complete. By being engaged, you are sending the message to your staff this is important. Also, it can be incredibly frustrating for staff when during planning sessions the principal is not present.  There are often decisions that need administrative guidance or support. 

• It is especially important for principals to have PBIS teams meet on a regular basis as part of their action plan. It is important principals are in attendance to ensure teams stay focused and action plans are being completed.

• In the end, the school staff will look to the principal for your vision for how this framework plays out in your building. Additionally, you know the needs of your building better than anyone and can identify key areas to focus on as you create a PBIS framework.