An intervention program for severe behaviour students.

Contact:  Randy Jones (rjones@summer.com)

A school based team must sign a Referral for Student Services form indicating BIS. intervention is being requested.  Parents are also required to sign the referral form.  A meeting with BIS intake is then arranged with all interested parties to determine acceptance into the program.

The measurement of student behaviour provides concrete and accurate feedback on the progress of each student.  Using the functional behaviour assessment model the initial frequency, intensity and duration of identified behaviours are tracked to establish goals.  Continuous tracking provides feedback on student progress.  Data that is collected breaks the "negativity cycle" by providing objective measures of progress.

The role of the BIS Certified Education Assistant is to work with one student towards goals established in a behaviour IEP.  A collaborative relationship is established with the teacher and school staff.  The main responsibility of the CEA is to modify the severe behaviour to the point where the student is no longer a disruption in the class room.  In order to document the behaviour change, the CEA collates the data into graphs which provide simple visual representation of student progress.  The BIS CEA's recognize that change will result from setting appropriate boundaries and limits providing immediate reinforcement and consequences.  An attitude of caring, support and trust is paramount to creating change that supports student success in meeting school expectations.

BIS Core Concepts

General Principles:

Severe behaviour students need to be fully integrated into their neighbourhood schools whenever possible.  The rights and needs of these children to attend school must be balanced against the rights and needs of other children, staff and parents to enjoy a safe and productive learning environment.

Commitments:

1.  Severe behaviours will be safely and effectively modified.
2. Meaningful change in student behaviour will take place.
3. There will be measurable accountability of the progress of students in the program.

Key Elements:

1. Distrist and trustee support.
2. Specialist to coordinate program.
3. Effective team of itinerant CEA's.
4. Ongoing training for the team.
5. Effective SBT process for referrals.
6. Effective IEP process.
7.  Parental permission and ongoing support for the program.
8. Interagency planning and support.
9. Ongoing training and support for teachers and administrators.
10. Evidence-based intervention strategies and techniques.