Seven Oaks Elementary School and Chapin High School in Lexington-Richland 5 were honored by the South Carolina Department of Education for their work in implementing school-wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), according to a district release.

Seven Oaks Elementary and Chapin High were among the 48 schools statewide that achieved “Ribbon Status” for their work in implementing PBIS.

The Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports program emphasizes proactive strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors to create positive school environments. A team of professionals reviewed extensive applications for the award.

Instead of using several individual behavioral management plans for different students, PBIS offers positive behavior support for all students and is implemented in areas including the classroom and non-classroom settings such as hallways and restrooms.

Attention is focused on creating and sustaining systems of support that improve lifestyles for all students by making problem behavior less effective, efficient, and relevant, and desired behavior more functional. Implementing PBIS helps create a school culture that values all students and maximizes time focused on instruction.

From the Office of Community Services