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What is VTPBiS?
VTPBiS (Vermont Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports) can best be described as a systems approach to academic achievement and social competence for all children. VTPBiS is not a model, but a compilation of research based practices, interventions and systems integrated to improve the educational experience of all students, including those with disabilities.
VTPBiS is the integration of four primary elements:
- operationally defined and valued outcomes,
- behavioral and biomedical science,
- research-validated practices, and
- systems change to both enhance learning quality and reduce problem behaviors.
What is Meant by a “Systems Approach?”
The Office of Special Education (OSEP) Center of Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) Implementers’ Blueprint states that common approaches to the problems schools encounter often fall into the “train-and-hope” perspective articulated by Stokes and Baer (1977):
The “train-and-hope” approach includes the following sequence:
- difficult to solve problem is encountered,
- expert is identified to provide a solution,
- expert provides or trains the solution,
- expert leaves and expects school to implement the solution,
- lacking supports and capacity, solution is not implemented effectively, and
- school waits for next problem to occur (“expert model” reinforced).
In contrast to “train-and-hope”, the school-wide approach to PBIS gives priority to an interactive and integrated method of facilitating organizational change which incorporates four primary elements:
- defined desired outcomes reinforced by students, families and educators,
- evidence based practices,
- real time data collection used for evaluation and self-correction, and
- systems that support sustained implementation of VTPBiS practices.
In this systems approach, the focus is not placed initially on the individual student, but on the environment within which the student functions. Adjustments are made at the district, school, classroom, and where indicated, the individual level in order to effect the best possible outcome for academic and social competence for all students. These adjustments are considered to be “universal” applications. Supports and interventions are provided with progressive focus and intensity for small groups and individuals in addition to school-wide efforts. With this approach, school-wide change efforts have the best chance of improving outcomes for all students, including those with disabilities who might have otherwise required instruction outside the classroom or school.
Citation: An Implicit Technology of Generalization, Baer, Donald M. and Stokes, Trevor F., Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1977 Summer; 10(2): 349-367.
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VTPBiS Brochure PDF
This document contains an overview, training opportunities and talking points.
VTPBiS Team Implementation Checklist (TIC) Directions PDF
The checklist is a data collection tool used by VTPBiS teams to monitor their progress in VTPBiS implementation. This document also contains a link for teams to complete the checklist online.
Implementation Coaches Contact List PDF
View a list of coaches who have been trained to implement VTPBiS in Vermont schools.
National PBIS Overview PDF
An overview highlighting some national PBIS efforts & research.
Vermont PBS Overview PowerPoint Presentation PDF
An overview presentation of PBS as it exised in Vermont in 2009. This document is also available below as a PowerPoint presentation. NOTE: This document is 2.5MB.
Schools Implementing VTPBiS PDF
View a list schools and supervisory unions.
VTPBiS Annual Evaluation Reports
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Annual Report for 2011 PDF
This report features input, fidelity, impact and sustainability highlights from Vermont’s fourth year of implementing the national framework of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Interest in and enthusiasm for VTPBiS continues to grow, and we are committed to build capacity to meet this need.
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Annual Report for 2010 PDF
Highlights of year-three achievements.
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Annual Report for 2009 PDF
Highlights of year-two achievements.
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Vermont PBS Year One Data 2008 PDF
Highlight of year-one achievements.
VTPBiS Early Innovators Award 2008
This award was presented to the following schools for being the first in the State to embrace and implement the concepts of School-wide Positive Behavior Supports in their school and for setting an example and creating a model for other schools to follow.
- Lincoln Elementary
- Monkton Elementary
- Mt. Abe Middle School
- Mt. Abe High School
VTPBiS Guide for Parents OSL
The Vermont Family Network (VFN) works with the department to bring families information about VTPBiS and the many benefits for children and schools. VTPBiS is a decision-making framework that guides selection, integration, and implementation of the best evidence based practices for improving academic and behavioral outcomes for ALL students. This guide provides information for parents about VTPBiS, with specific examples of how parents and families can participate in this process. VTPBiS is being implemented in several Vermont schools, to varying degrees; from awareness and readiness levels to full implementation that includes school wide planning, to small group interventions, to individual plans. For questions about this document, contact Kathleen Kilbourne at (800) 800-4005, ext. 244 or christine.kilpatrick@vtfn.org.
Additional Resources
Use the following links to learn more about PBIS at the national level:
- National Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) OSL
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)-funded National Technical Assistance Center on PBIS was established to address the behavioral and discipline systems needed for successful learning and social development of students. The Center provides capacity-building information and technical support about behavioral systems to assist states and districts in the design of effective schools.
- Association for Positive Behavior Support (APBS) OSL
The APBS is an international organization dedicated to promoting research-based strategies that combine applied behavior analysis and biomedical science with person-centered values and systems change to increase quality of life and decrease problem behaviors. The Association is made up of professionals, family members, trainers, consumers, researchers, and administrators who are involved and interested in positive behavior support.
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