At OSSU, we are committed to creating safe, inclusive, and supportive school environments where all students can thrive. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is one of the foundational frameworks we use to help schools strengthen school culture, improve student behavior, and foster positive relationships.

PBIS is a proactive, school-wide approach designed to support students' social, emotional, and academic success. Through clear expectations, consistent routines, and a continuum of supports, PBIS helps schools create learning environments where all students feel a strong sense of belonging and are set up for success.

Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union (OSSU) was recently recognized as a Gold Level District of Distinction by the Northeast Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (NEPBIS) Network. OSSU was the only recipient from the state of Vermont to receive this distinction.

In 2024, Craftsbury Schools, Hardwick Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, Wolcott Elementary, and Woodbury Elementary were named 2024 Honorees by Vermont PBIS. For 2025, all OSSU schools will be using PBIS as one of the foundational frameworks to strengthen school culture.

How PBIS Works

• Explicit Instruction: All students receive direct instruction in school-wide behavior expectations. These expectations are organized in a matrix that applies across school settings (e.g., classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, buses).
• Proactive Teaching & Reinforcement: Expectations are taught during the first weeks of school and reinforced regularly throughout the year. Staff use common language and positive reinforcement to help students internalize and meet expectations.
• Tiered Supports: While the majority of students thrive with universal supports, some students may need additional instruction or intervention. Our schools use a multi-tiered system to provide targeted supports for students who require more practice, structure, or individualized plans.
• Data-Informed Decision-Making: Teams in each school meet regularly to review behavioral data, identify trends, and adjust strategies to ensure supports are working effectively for all students.

PBIS and Restorative Practices: A Complementary Approach

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Restorative Practices (RP) work hand-in-hand to create a school culture rooted in respect, accountability, community, and healing.

While PBIS focuses on clearly teaching expectations, reinforcing positive behavior, and providing structured supports, Restorative Practices emphasize relationships, reflection, and repairing harm when it occurs. Together, these approaches form a strong foundation for proactive and responsive support for students.

How They Work Together

• Prevention and Relationship Building PBIS sets the stage by promoting consistent, predictable environments and teaching positive behaviors. Restorative Practices build on that foundation by creating space for connection, voice, and empathy—helping students and adults develop meaningful relationships.
• Repair and Accountability When behavior expectations are not met, PBIS offers a structured system of supports and interventions. Restorative Practices offer a pathway for students to reflect on their behavior, understand the impact of their actions, and take steps to make things right.
• Community and Belonging Both frameworks prioritize inclusion, equity, and student voice. PBIS ensures that expectations are fair, clear, and accessible to all students. Restorative Practices ensure that all students feel seen, heard, and valued as members of their school community.
• Consistent, Supportive Response to Behavior PBIS helps teams use data to respond to behavior with the right level of support. Restorative Practices provide tools—like restorative conversations, circles, and agreements—to address conflict in ways that strengthen rather than strain relationships.

Together, PBIS and Restorative Practices support the whole child and help schools build cultures where students feel safe, connected, and ready to learn. This dual approach is central to our commitment to improving school climate and ensuring that all students are supported socially, emotionally, and academically.

Alignment with Our Strategic Plan

PBIS is a key strategy aligned with our OSSU Strategic Plan Goal around Culture and Climate.

By implementing PBIS with fidelity, we aim to:

• Build consistent, predictable, and inclusive environments for all learners
• Promote student well-being and belonging
• Reduce the use of exclusionary discipline practices
• Ensure equitable access to behavior supports and instruction
• Foster strong school-community relationships

Schools that implement PBIS consistently see improvements in student behavior, school safety, and staff morale, along with stronger academic outcomes.

To learn more about PBIS and its impact, visit www.pbis.org or pbisvermont.org.

To see how PBIS is implemented in schools in OSSU, visit each school’s PBIS website.