Visiting Dewey School

The newly formed Todd and Rutledge Hall Positive Behavior Intervention & Support (PBIS) Teams visited Dewey School in Evanston last week. Dewey has effectively been implementing PBIS for the past 6 years. Principal Andy Krugly shared an overview of PBIS at Dewey along with the data collected. The data documents decreased behavioral concerns and referrals to the principal's office as well as increased achievement and improved scores on the state tests.

The District 74 teachers observed the major components of PBIS in action:

~ students participating in an all school celebration;

~ teachers issuing "Tiger Tickets" for positive student behaviors;

~ teachers teaching the week's "Cool Tool" about personal space.

The Dewey staff has spent a great deal of time and planning to teach all of the students and staff the Dewey Expectations: Be Caring, Be Respectful, Be Safe, Be Here - Be Ready. They developed a matrix that defines what each of these expectations look like in all of the various environments: classroom, hallways, lunchroom, bathrooms, and even the bus.

District 74 is preparing now for implementation of PBIS next school year. Staff are participating in training. The Dewey staff welcomed us into their classrooms and answered our many questions. We greatly appreciate their assistance and support!

For more information about PBIS, visit http://www.pbisillinois.org/