26 Coaching Tips to Elevate PBIS Teams
Creating a positive school climate that fosters academic success and social well-being for all students is a shared goal among educators. To achieve this, many schools have embraced Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), a proactive framework that promotes positive behaviors and reduces discipline problems. PBIS training is essential, but experienced professional development leaders know that what really moves teams forward is coaching. Yet, today’s school climate leaves little time for yet one more meeting with a trainer or coach. So how do we support PBIS teams without being “one more thing” on their plate? In this blog, we will explore the benefits of coaching school PBIS teams over a training-only model, providing evidence from research and statistics.
“While training is an essential component of PBIS implementation, coaching school PBIS teams offers a more personalized and effective approach to impact student achievement and social outcomes.”
Why Coaching Matters
Customized Support for School Teams
Coaching provides tailored support to school PBIS teams, addressing the unique challenges and goals of each institution. Research by the National Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) has shown that coaching significantly increases the fidelity of PBIS implementation (PBIS.org). By focusing on the specific needs of a school, coaching helps teams adapt and refine their PBIS strategies for maximum effectiveness.
Sustainable Implementation
The commitment to PBIS implementation doesn't end after initial training. Sustainable success requires ongoing support and refinement of practices. A study published in the Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions found that schools that received coaching for PBIS had higher implementation fidelity compared to those without coaching, even two years after the coaching had ended (Kelley et al., 2023). This indicates that coaching helps maintain the momentum and integrity of PBIS over the long term.
Improved Student Behavior and Achievement
The primary goal of PBIS is to improve student behavior, which in turn positively impacts academic achievement. According to a report by researchers at the University of Florida, schools that implement PBIS with fidelity experience reduced disciplinary incidents and suspensions, leading to improved attendance and academic outcomes for students (Gage et al., 2018). Coaching supports the consistent implementation of PBIS practices, reinforcing these positive effects on student behavior and achievement.
Enhanced School Climate
PBIS isn't just about reducing negative behaviors; it's also about creating a positive and inclusive school culture. Coaching helps school PBIS teams develop strategies that promote a sense of belonging, respect, and safety for all students. A positive school climate, as indicated by research from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), is associated with improved academic performance, social-emotional development, and overall well-being for students (CASEL.org). Coaching contributes to the cultivation of such an environment.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Effective PBIS relies on data-driven decision-making processes. Coaches help school PBIS teams collect and analyze data to make informed choices about interventions and strategies. University of Oregon researchers identified that schools with strong data-based decision-making systems had higher fidelity of PBIS implementation and better outcomes in terms of behavior and discipline (Irvin et al., 2006). Coaching reinforces the importance of data and guides teams in using it effectively.
Concrete Tips for Getting Teams to the Coaching Table
Getting school teams to regularly meet with their coach is essential for fostering collaboration, addressing challenges, and achieving goals effectively. Here is a list of tips to encourage and facilitate regular meetings between school teams and their coaches:
Show Empathy: Many schools and educators are in survival mode (for many reasons), they need our emotional support, vulnerability, and grace as much as our knowledge and experience.
Use Multiple Communication Channels: Beyond face-to-face meetings, consider using email, messaging apps, or video conferencing for interim communication and updates.
Set Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate the purpose and benefits of coaching meetings to the school team, emphasizing how these meetings support their growth and success.
Set Goals and Objectives: Clearly define the goals and objectives of each coaching session to maintain focus and track progress.
Schedule Meetings in Advance: Plan regular meeting times in advance, preferably at the beginning of the school year or coaching engagement, to ensure consistency.
Respect Time Constraints: Adhere to the scheduled meeting duration to respect the time commitments of all team members.
Create a Meeting Calendar: Share a meeting calendar with the school team, including dates, times, and locations for upcoming coaching sessions.
Provide Reminders: Send friendly reminders before each meeting to ensure that team members are prepared and aware of the upcoming session.
Use Technology: Utilize technology like calendar invitations, scheduling apps, or online meeting platforms to make it easy for team members to add coaching meetings to their schedules.
Make Meetings Convenient: Choose meeting times that align with the team's availability and avoid scheduling conflicts with other important school activities.
Offer to Help Set Agendas: Share meeting agendas ahead of time to give the team a clear sense of what topics will be discussed and the goals for each meeting.
Encourage Ownership: Encourage team members to take ownership of the coaching process by actively participating in setting meeting agendas and goals.
Share Resources: Provide relevant Tier 1, 2 and 3 Resources, materials, or readings in advance of meetings to support team discussions and learning.
Allocate Time for Reflection: Dedicate a portion of each meeting to reflection and discussion of progress made since the last session.
Celebrate Successes: Recognize and celebrate school success (share quantitative, qualitative, or anecdotal data) during meetings to boost team morale and motivation.
Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate significant milestones or accomplishments achieved by the school team through coaching.
Provide Regular Feedback: Offer constructive feedback to the team on their progress and areas for improvement.
Ask for Feedback: Regularly solicit feedback from team members about the coaching process and their satisfaction with the meetings.
Be Flexible: Be open to rescheduling or adjusting meeting times if unexpected conflicts or emergencies arise.
Be Adaptive: Be willing to adjust coaching strategies or topics based on the evolving needs and challenges of the school team.
Maintain Consistency: Stick to the agreed-upon meeting schedule as consistently as possible to build a routine and habit of engagement.
Encourage Open Communication: Foster a culture of open and honest communication within the team, where members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns.
Promote Accountability: Encourage each team member to take responsibility for their role in the coaching process and meeting attendance.
Highlight Benefits: Continuously remind the school team of the benefits of coaching, such as professional growth and improved outcomes.
Incorporate Team Building: Integrate team-building activities and exercises into coaching sessions to strengthen relationships and trust.
Lead by Example: Demonstrate commitment to the coaching process by consistently attending and actively participating in meetings.
Next Steps
Coaching school PBIS teams is a powerful strategy for enhancing student achievement and promoting positive social outcomes. The research and statistics clearly indicate that coaching leads to customized support, sustained implementation, improved student behavior and achievement, enhanced school climate, and data-driven decision-making—all critical components of a successful PBIS program.
KOI can help. Contact us to see how we can support your team with friendly and expert coaching:
Blog written in collaboration with ChatGPT August 2023 Version.