WBT and other programs...

How does WBT work with....

I have had a number of people ask how WBT works with other classroom and behavior management programs that have been or are being used in the district.  That is a GREAT question!  I know in my years here I have seen many programs come and go, and to be honest I still uses pieces from a lot of them .  I will try to address two of the programs that are currently used or have been used in the past.

PBIS Positive Behavior Intervention Supports

Great news!  Whole brain teaching makes PBIS even BETTER!  The main features of Tier 1 of PBIS blend perfectly with the basic tools of WBT.  

1.  Define Expections:  Most schools have 3-5 expections in all settings.  You can use the 5 rules to EXPLICITLY teach what those expectations are (Your expectations will easily fit into the 5 rules) and what they look like.   As you are likely aware, we post the expectations and talk about them at the beginning of the year.  The problem is that we don't revisit them OFTEN!  In WBT you will use the rules to teach those PBIS expections EVERY DAY!  Teachers should be going over the class rules a minimum of 3x per day.  It should not take more than 1 minute!  

2. Teach/ Pre-correct:  Using the rule cues such as "Uh Oh rule 2" you are reminding all students of the expection and allowing them to fix / correct any behaviors.  You don't have to call out a student, just say the rule.  

3.  Model / Practice:  In WBT we use Wrong way / Right way to practice the rules.  We do this when we teach expectations and anytime that you notice your classroom behavior slipping.  First practice the wrong way then immediately the right way.  This teaches student to see and feel what the expections look like when done correctly.  

4.  Acknowledge and Reteach:  One frustration many teachers have is the time that the gotchas and tickets take with PBIS.  Some find the rewards a bit much for simply doing what they should be doing.  In WBT you absolutely acknowledge the following of expections but you use the scoreboard as a class and super improver for individuals.  The Super Improver wall allows you to acknowledge or set goals with the whole class or individual students. 

A key difference between PBIS and WBT is that WBT is embedded in your instruction.  It is not just about behavior but about all of your instruction.

Thanks to Sarah Meador a WBT exec board member for the Scope to help me articulate all of this!

Capturing Kids Hearts

There are wonderful tools from CKH that can easily be used with whatever classroom management system you are using.  We use Class Yes instead of the "timeout" signal because it is more effective and efficient.  It can also be varied throughout the year to keep it fresh.  WBT does not believe in stopping your teaching to address a specific student unless it is ABSOLUTELY disruptive.  You say the rule, practice then move on. Talk to the student later and don't create a battle.  If you love CKH, keep using it!