Pittsylvania Schools Present Behavior‑Support Update, Plans Jan. 5 Training with Longwood Consultant
Summary
Division staff reported phased implementation of a behavior‑support framework developed with Longwood University consultant Dr. Chris Jones, expansion to six schools, and a Jan. 5 professional‑development session open to teachers.
Doctor Nyla presented a division‑wide update on behavior‑support implementation at the Dec. 9 Pittsylvania County School Board meeting, describing a phased program intended to shift practice from reaction to analysis and reflection. The framework draws on the idea that "all behavior is communicating," and the district has embedded training into professional development since August.
Doctor Nyla said the district partnered with Dr. Chris Jones, a professor of special education at Longwood University, and has expanded training initially provided to teacher aides to include work in six schools. A short video of classroom implementation was shared and the district announced a Jan. 5 professional‑development session titled “Chaos to Clarity in Classroom Behavior,” open to any teacher who wishes to attend.
Board members asked follow‑up questions about student‑teacher ratios and accreditation; staff replied the division is in compliance with state ratios and accreditation requirements. Nyla said the initiative includes side‑by‑side coaching at Gretna Middle and other school‑level supports to help teachers analyze behavior functionally rather than react to it.
What happens next: The district will continue roll‑out, with the January training and ongoing coaching at selected schools; staff offered to answer individual questions and provide materials to board members.
