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		PROGRAMS & SERVICES: INTEGRATED SUPPORT FOR LEARNING: EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SYSTEM (ESS): VERMONT POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS & SUPPORTS (VTPBiS) (Updated 7/21/10)     OVERVIEW       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.     CURRENTLY AVAILABLE LINKS & RESOURCES (Updated 7/21/10)       Part-Time Coaches/Mentors Needed (Added 7/21/10) VTPBiS is currently hiring a limited number of part-time coaches/mentors for the 2010-2011 school year. For more information, contact Richard Boltax at (802) 828-5125 or richard.boltax@state.vt.us.       FY 2010-2011 BEST/Act 230 Grant Application Act 230 (reauthorized as Act 157) requires that every local school district have an educational support system for children who require additional assistance in order to succeed in the general education environment. Based on the continued successes of the Vermont Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (VTPBiS) effort, the commissioner has designated VTPBiS as the priority area for use of these funds. All BEST/Act 230 grant applications must be submitted by the supervisory union/school district as one application for schools with in the union/district and sent electronically with an electronic signature or an email directly from the superintendent of schools. NOTE: Applications must be submitted and approved before funds are expended. Applications may be submitted immediately but no later than September 15, 2010. Use the link above to access the application and related materials.       VTPBiS Brochure This document contains an overview, training opportunities and talking points. VTPBiS Team Implementation Checklist (TIC) Directions 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. NOTE: This document will be updated by the end of August. VTPBiS Statewide Leadership Contact List View a list of members of the State Wide Leadership Team. This team is charged with creating a communication and advisory network for VTPBiS implementation across the State of Vermont. NOTE: This document will be updated by the end of August. Implementation Coaches Contact List View a list of coaches who have been trained to implement VTPBiS in Vermont schools. National PBIS Overview An overview highlighting some national PBIS efforts & research. Vermont PBS Overview PowerPoint Presentation An overview presentation of PBS as it exists in Vermont in 2009. This document is also available below as a PowerPoint presentation. NOTE: This document is 2.5MB. Vermont PBS Overview PowerPoint Presentation NOTE: This document is 2.4MB. Schools Implementing VTPBiS View a list schools and supervisory unions. Vermont PBS Annual Evaluation Report for 2009 (PDF) Vermont is in its third year of providing state-wide support for schools interested in implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBiS). This report describes how 78 school teams did in their first year of training and implementation efforts. There has been tremendous enthusiasm around this process and students, educators, families and communities are benefiting from this work. Beginning in this third year of implementation, there are 26 more schools preparing to go through their first phase of PBS training and implementation. Use the link above to download the current report. Vermont PBS Year One Data 2008 A 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 Anticipated Costs & Personnel Commitment for 2010-2011 for VTPBiS View a guide for schools to use for planning purposes in understanding the costs associated with VTPBiS training and implementation for FY 2010/2011. This information may be helpful for any schools considering requesting funds from BEST or Act 230 grants. VTPBiS Guide for Parents 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) 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) 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.     CONTACT INFORMATION       Sabine Baldwin, Integrated Support for Learning (802) 828-0183 (P) (802) 828-0573 (F) sabine.baldwin@state.vt.us             Education Support System PDF files require the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. To download a free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, click on the icon below. View Acrobat tips and information.
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