GRPS launches positive behavior program

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - One school principal likens it to getting a speed ticket when you didn't know -- or didn't understand the signs for -- the speed limit.

It makes little sense to punish students without clearly explaining the behavior that's expected of them, said Mike Nassar, of Grand Rapids Public Schools' Harrison Park K-8.

So, schools such as his -- that already use elements of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program Superintendent Bernard Taylor said he plans to put in place district-wide -- clearly lay out the rules to students and parents.

"We have expectations for the bathrooms, for the halls, for the playgrounds" and other areas of the building, Nassar told 24 Hour News 8. Those expectations can be made clear through something as simple as a sign.

"What this is about ... is explaining to kids what you expect and then teaching them what you expect and then reinforcing that," the Harrison Park principal said. "But of course, there's a time for consequences."

And administrators stressed at an event promoting the program Monday that suspensions are still a part of the toolbox, particularly for serious incidents such as weapons offenses or fights.

But since putting "PBIS" into place this school year, Nassar told district leaders and other administrators at the event that suspensions have dropped 25 to 30 percent. There's also been a sharp decrease in office referrals, he told reporters.

The focus is on stopping bad behavior before it starts.

"You're rewarded for rising to the expectation," explained Veronica Lake, GRPS' executive director for accountability and compliance.

One list photocopied and available at Monday's event listed 83 rewards for students, from the first spot in the lunch line to "play money" for class privileges to picking the game during gym class.

Taylor said it's often easier to punish than to model proper behavior, but he doesn't believe students learn best in a punitive system.

The superintendent told 24 Hour News 8 the plan was not launched based on an incident, a string of incidents or a trend.

"We're not always in a reactionary mode," he said. "Sometimes we're in a very proactive mode."

And while the program could help the district fix a state-identified problem of suspending a disproportionate number of black students with disabilities, a state official told the crowd Monday the district put this together on its own.

Administrators said they did not expect the program to bring additional costs to the district. The state of Michigan helps districts that want to implement such programs.

Teachers union President Paul Helder, who has often said the district needs to do more to address behavior and safety issues, said he hadn't yet been briefed on the plan and couldn't comment.

Nassar said he's seen enough success to convince him the program can go district-wide.

"This is my 19th year as a principal," he said, acknowledging the patches of gray in his hair. Now, he said, "I spent a lot more time telling kids in classrooms what they're doing right versus what they're doing wrong. I totally believe that it works."