Decorah School Board approves new position: Positive Behavior Support Teacher

Posted: Mon, Jun 11, 2018 8:28 PM

After passionate, and sometimes emotional, comments from eight elementary teachers, the Decorah Community School Board at their Monday night meeting approved the new position of Positive Behavior Support Teacher. The teacher position (not administrative) will support the K-2 learning environment at John Cline Elementary.

The presentations from the teachers confirmed their passion for teaching, but the extreme frustrations they felt because of the increasing level of behavioral disruptions. The disruptions prevent them from adequately meeting the needs of both the disruptive student and the other students they disrupt in the classrooms. The new position would be a person who could intervene in the classroom when needed, help teach the disruptive students how to be more successful in the social context, and support the students' specific classroom learning activities. The position is also envisioned to be one that contributes in a variety of positive ways with the whole school population.

Teachers reported on the successful implementation of such a program in Cresco. Waukon also has plans to start a similar position.

Elementary Principal Rick Varney provided the following statement regarding the position: The Positive Behavior Support Teacher will assist individuals, groups and the building/system through the application of positive behavior supports. The behavior specialist will assist with prevention strategies to ensure a positive climate and culture within the building as well as supporting interventions to support at-risk students.