Effects of Positive Behavior Support System on Student Learning in K-12 Rural Classrooms

......................................................................................................................................... 4 Chapter 1: Introduction .................................................................................................................. 5 Statement of the Problem .................................................................................................. 6 Research Questions ............................................................................................................ 6 Definitions of Terms .......................................................................................................... 7 Summary ............................................................................................................................ 8 Chapter 2: Review of Literature .................................................................................................. 10 Effectiveness of Office Discipline Referrals ................................................................... 11 Analysis of Data Collection Tools ....................................................................... 11 Effects on Behavior.......................................................................................................... 14 School-wide Effects ............................................................................................. 14 Individual Student Effects.................................................................................... 17 Academic Achievement and Time Saved ........................................................................ 19 Other Effected Areas........................................................................................................ 23 School Climate ..................................................................................................... 23 Teacher Efficacy .................................................................................................. 24 Student Engagement ............................................................................................ 25 Effecting Different Students and Schools ........................................................................ 27 Barriers to Implementation .............................................................................................. 32 Chapter 3: Results and Analysis Relative to Problem ................................................................. 34 Effecting All Students ...................................................................................................... 34 EFFECTS OF POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT SYSTEM 3 Not Just Academics.......................................................................................................... 36 Summary .......................................................................................................................... 40 Chapter 4: Recommendations and Conclusion ............................................................................ 41 Recommendations ............................................................................................................ 41 Areas for Further Research .............................................................................................. 42 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 43 References .................................................................................................................................... 45 EFFECTS OF POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT SYSTEM 4 Abstract In response to the growing concern among educators regarding student behavior, educators, are seeking solutions. One solution that has emerged from the study of human behavior is Positive Behavior Support. The PBS approach was first introduced in the 1990’s and since then is growing in popularity among public schools. The increased exposure of PBS has resulted in compilations of data, which are used to determine PBS effectiveness. Through this literature review, I use data to help shed light on the effectiveness of PBS implementation on specific areas such as student achievement, school climate, and its effect on different groups of students. Results indicate PBS has many positive effects and educators can embrace a somewhat new method of behavior support with confidence as they strive to improve their schools.In response to the growing concern among educators regarding student behavior, educators, are seeking solutions. One solution that has emerged from the study of human behavior is Positive Behavior Support. The PBS approach was first introduced in the 1990’s and since then is growing in popularity among public schools. The increased exposure of PBS has resulted in compilations of data, which are used to determine PBS effectiveness. Through this literature review, I use data to help shed light on the effectiveness of PBS implementation on specific areas such as student achievement, school climate, and its effect on different groups of students. Results indicate PBS has many positive effects and educators can embrace a somewhat new method of behavior support with confidence as they strive to improve their schools. EFFECTS OF POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT SYSTEM 5 Chapter 1: Introduction Students across our country attend school every day with one expectation; teachers and principals will do their very best in providing the highest quality education to children possible. Anything short of doing our very best for our nation’s students and our country’s future would be morally and ethically unjust. However, with the passing of IDEA 2007 and inclusion policies, shrinking budgets, declining enrollment, and other obstacles facing school districts, it is becoming increasingly more difficult each day to accomplish what every school desires, preparing students for a competitively global world. In order for schools to have confidence that the graduated students are ready for life beyond high school, officials need to look at the process being used to educate those same students. Chief among areas being considered is determining ways to increase student learning. Plaguing public schools today is a lack of understanding of interventions or strategies to implement not only to increase what students know but also to increase the number of students prepared for life beyond high school. One attempt at increasing student learning that is gaining in popularity across our country is the implementation of school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS). PBS strives to prevent disruptive and other unacceptable behavior and promote a positive school culture. Through ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and new interventions, school officials are hopeful that placing such an emphasis on student behavior has an overall positive effect on student achievement (Bradshaw, Debnam, Koth, & Leaf, 2009). However, before such a daunting task is undertaken by educators, including training and spending district dollars, principals are asking one important question: Does the research indicate that PBS works to a degree worthy of school-wide implementation? An unequivocal answer is imperative for school EFFECTS OF POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT SYSTEM 6 leaders because students deserve the best our educational system has to offer, and our duty as educators, demands our best. Statement of the Problem The major problem is to determine whether integrating a school wide positive behavior support system into a k-12 school setting increases student learning. Teachers and administrators have a daunting task of not only educating and preparing students for an ever changing, complex, and competitive world, but to teach and prepare better than ever before. High stakes evaluations and severe consequences for not improving learning has educators concerned. Our educational leaders and teachers cannot afford to spend time and energy on initiatives where uncertainty is commonplace. Educators must have confidence that the desired results will be achieved once they implement a new strategy. Therefore, this study will explore and make available information regarding the effects of school-wide positive behavior support systems on three major areas: student achievement, the learning environment, and on specific sub-groups of students. Research Questions By addressing certain questions raised during this study, teachers and administrators will have access to more information and will be able to make decisions that are more informed. Consequently, educators will be able to continue to look for most effective ways to increase student learning. 1. To what extent does positive learning support system effect the achievement of students identified to be of behavioral or at risk concerns? 2. To what extent does positive learning support system have on other elements of student learning, such as school culture, discipline, and student attendance? EFFECTS OF POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT SYSTEM 7 Definition of Terms Reviewing Positive Behavior Support (PBS) reveals several essential key terms, which are important for readers to understand. The terms listed will be used frequently throughout this review. Familiarity with the terms will help readers gain a better understanding and a deeper knowledge of PBS. Terms listed were gathered from peer reviewed articles researched and reviewed, and are cited in the reference section. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The process of identifying unacceptable behavior and systematically applying interventions, which are research based to improve behavior. ABA also demonstrates through implementation that the interventions selected have a direct effect on improving the behavior (Johnston, Foxx, Jacobson, & Green, 2006). Positive Behavior Support. An approach for identifying poor behavior and through a specific strategy decrease problem behavior occurrences and improve the quality of a person’s life. PBS uses research and data to determine why a child has challenging behavior and teaches the child new more acceptable behavioral skills (Dunlap, Carr, Horner, Zarcone, & Schwartz, 2008). Student achievement. Student learning. Students being able to understand what is being taught and be able to do something with new knowledge. Growth in learning which is identified by differences in prior knowledge versus new knowledge (Keengwe, Schnellert, Mills, 2012). Developmental Disabilities. Mental and/or physical impairments which cause a person to have problems in such areas as learning, language, mobility, and independent living (Johnston