Positive Behavior Interventions and Support

Middle School

Social and mental success matter.

The Academy is committed to fostering a safe, positive, and respectful climate where every student’s behavioral, social, mental, and academic success is equally important. As such, we implement the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. PBIS is not a set curriculum but rather a prevention-oriented framework that organizes evidence-based behavioral interventions into a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).

Soaring towards a positive environment.

The Academy PBIS program relies on proactive strategies to foster a positive school culture. Through clear expectations, recognition, and incentives, we encourage students to exhibit responsible behavior, leading to a safer and more engaging learning environment.
We encourage students and staff to follow the school’s core S.O.A.R. principles:

  • Safety
  • Ownership
  • Acceptance
  • Respect

PBIS rewards and incentive programs

Here are all the ways in when students are incentivized to make positive impact on the school.

Teachers and support staff can award points to students for demonstrating expected behaviors. These points can be:

  • Redeemed for rewards
  • Entered in raffles
  • Used in individual classrooms
  • Exchanged for special event invitations

Students are recognized for positive behavior in:

  1. Monthly grade-level assemblies
  2. PBIS Award Ceremonies (held once per semester) for:
    • Excellent behavior
    • Academic excellence
    • Perfect attendance

PBIS follows a tiered approach to behavioral support:

  • Tier 1: Universal interventions for all students (benefits ~80% of students)
  • Tier 2: Targeted small-group interventions for students needing additional support
  • Tier 3: Intensive individualized support for students with significant behavioral challenges

  • Expected behaviors are explicitly taught, modeled, and reinforced.
  • Staff use a 5:1 positive-to-negative interaction ratio to promote positive student engagement.
  • Classroom Management Plans help establish clear expectations, routines, and procedures.
  • All teachers are expected to outline clear expectations utilizing a Teacher Matrix.

  • Dedicated PBIS Team meets every two-weeks.
  • Teacher participation is encouraged (with stipends).
  • Staff attend LACOE PBIS training sessions.
  • A $60,000 budget supports PBIS implementation.
  • The 5-Star reward program is used for incentives.

  • Biweekly student reward pickups.
  • A student store is available for point redemption.
  • Special PBIS luncheons, such as Chipotle catering and Game Truck events, reward students and staff participation.

The school’s PBIS system believes in the restorative practice and utilizes Restorative Questions seen here as well as the use of restorative circles to allow students to reflect, learn, and grow from their mistakes. The school uses the SWIS-PBIS support system to monitor minor and major incidents and the team reviews data bi-weekly at our PBIS meeting to drive improvement. Data is shared with parents as well as students and staff

The team conducts regular surveys such as the school climate survey for students, staff, and parents to gather data as well as a TFI survey twice a year to monitor implementation. We are proud that last year our High was able to be awarded bronze recognition for our PBIS implementation and hope to achieve Silver this year.