Michigan Department of Education Policy on Positive Behavior Supports
MICHIGAN
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT POLICY
The vision of the State Board of Education is to create learning environments that
prepare students to be successful citizens in the 21st Century. The educational
community must provide a system that will support students’ efforts to manage
their own behavior and assure academic achievement. An effective behavior
support system is a proactive, positive, skill-building approach for the teaching and
learning of successful student behavior. Positive behavior support systems ensure
effective strategies that promote pro-social behavior and respectful learning
environments. Research-based positive behavior support systems are appropriate
for all students, regardless of age.
The principles of Universal Education reflect the beliefs that each person deserves
and needs a positive, concerned, accepting educational community that values
diversity and provides a comprehensive system of individual supports from birth to
adulthood. A positive behavior support policy incorporates the demonstration and
teaching of positive, proactive social behaviors throughout the school environment.
A positive behavior support system is a data-based effort that concentrates on
adjusting the system that supports the student. Such a system is implemented by
collaborative, school-based teams using person-centered planning. School-wide
expectations for behavior are clearly stated, widely promoted, and frequently
referenced. Both individual and school-wide learning and behavior problems are
assessed comprehensively. Functional assessment of learning and behavior
challenges is linked to an intervention that focuses on skill building. The
effectiveness of the selected intervention is evaluated and reviewed, leading to
data-based revisions. Positive interventions that support adaptive and pro-social
behavior and build on the strengths of the student lead to an improved learning
environment. Students are offered a continuum of methods that help them learn
and maintain appropriate behavior and discourage violation of codes of student
conduct.
In keeping with this vision, it is the policy of the State Board of Education that each
school district in Michigan implement a system of school-wide positive behavior
support strategies.
Adopted September 12, 2006
