Universal Team
The Universal Team generally consist of 8-10 members, depending on school size, and should include representation from various constituencies in the school community. Such representation must include
- a regular educator,
- a special educator,
- an administrator,
- an individual with expertise in data gathering and analysis and
- a parent.
Other members may include a paraeducator, specialist teachers, The school nurse, school bus drivers or custodians, guidance counselors or behavior specialists or school board members. In middle and high schools, a student may be an excellent team member.
The Universal team guides the development, implementation, continuity and evaluation of the schoolwide PBIS program. In addition, the team must report regularly to the faculty and the community on implementation steps and outcomes. In this respect, the challenge for the team is to lead the initiative while not getting too far ahead of the faculty and the community as a whole.
What is a PBIS Coach?
"Effective coaches embody...a 'compelling combination of personal humility and professional will.' They are affirmative, humble, and deeply respectful of classroom teachers, but they are unwilling to rest unless they achieve significant improvements in teaching and learning in their schools.” (Instructional Coaching, The School Administrator, April 2006)
The PBIS coach is a cheerleader, a strong communicator and an optimistic and positive leader. Characterized by a deep level of commitment and positive energy, he or she is eternally persistent, a natural problem-solver and someone who practices what they preach. An effective coach will be highly skilled at developing and sustaining trusting relationships, ambitious and positive about the change process, respectful of teachers and the demands of the classroom and skilled at working with and understanding data.
The responsibilities of the PBIS Coach include mentoring, providing assistance and guidance to the PBIS team, ensuring that data is collected and used efficiently for decision-making, and sharing information and results with stakeholders on a regular basis. The coach is a major advocate and promoter of PBIS in the school and the district, serves as a liaison between stakeholder groups and serves as the point person in communications with NH CEBIS. The PBIS coach prepares for and attends PBIS meetings (at least once or twice per month), assists in the development and implementation of action plans and relies on self-assessment instruments and student outcome data to determine progress.
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