Taylor ISD expands PBIS tiered supports, highlights middle-school visit and high-school reinforcements

Taylor Independent School District staff presented an update on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) during the Oct. 20 board meeting, outlining tiered interventions, campus recognition systems and planned site visits.

Staff explained PBIS as a school-wide framework implemented districtwide, summarized as instruction of common expectations (for example: be safe, be responsible, be kind), consistent reinforcement for positive behaviors, and tiered interventions when students need additional support. The presenter said PBIS includes universal "tier 1" teaching of expectations, "tier 2" interventions such as check-in/check-out and social-skills supports, and "tier 3" intensive individualized behavior plans tied to assessments and parental involvement.

Examples of campus practices included student token systems ("duck bugs" and classroom "duck ponds" for elementary classes), a high-school "Dynasty" store where students redeem reinforced tokens, and teacher recognition programs that acknowledge staff accomplishments. Staff said the district will host a visit to Taylor Middle School so trustees can observe PBIS in action.

Next steps named by the presenter include continuing partnership with a Region 13 PBIS coach to observe campuses and give feedback, expanding staff and student positive interactions, and standardizing behavioral intervention curricula across campuses so tiered supports flow from elementary through high school.

Trustees and staff framed PBIS as part of a broader strategy to support student engagement and campus climate. The presenter invited trustees to the middle-school visit and said staff will provide follow-up details and opportunities to see implementation in classrooms.