Dec. 13, 2023
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) specialist Dr. John Hannigan provided strategic, specific training for SPS educators on Friday, Dec. 8. The full-day professional learning experience for educators at SPS built the capacity of all building leaders in PBIS.
SPS acknowledges the unique challenges faced by our team of talented, dedicated educators and support staff. There are unfortunate realities facing our society that must be considered when evaluating student misbehavior - from post-pandemic mental health challenges and related delays in social-emotional learning to the continued fracturing of the nuclear family and underfunded support services.
“SPS is implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) districtwide, and we were pleased to welcome Dr. Hannigan as part of our multi-faceted approach to providing support to Team SPS as it relates to behavior management,” said Dr. Grenita Lathan. “PBIS is a framework designed to establish and enforce an effective, consistent approach to behavior management in every SPS school building - the first time such consistency has been provided in our district’s history.”
Dr. John Hannigan has served in education for over 20 years as a teacher, instructional coach, principal and leadership coach. Dr. Hannigan is a sought-after presenter who works with schools and districts throughout North America on designing and implementing systematic multi-tiered systems of supports for academics and behavior.
During his nine years as principal at Reagan Elementary in the Sanger Unified School District in California, Dr. Hannigan was the leader of a highly effective professional learning community. He and his staff were recognized as a National Model PLC, California State Distinguished School, Gold Ribbon School, and California Honor Roll School. They also received the Title I Academic Achievement Award and earned Platinum status for positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), in addition to being selected as a knowledge-development site for the statewide scaling up of multi-tiered systems of supports (MTSS).
In addition to PBIS and the support training provided by Dr. Hannigan, SPS has implemented a strategic approach to focusing on discipline and has provided resources for every campus to create and staff a Focus Room designed to help students self-regulate before behaviors escalate and become disruptive.
“We acknowledge that challenges remain, and we are committed to supporting our staff in educating all students,” continued Dr. Lathan. “We are listening and responding accordingly.”
Professional Learning for PBIS is aligned with the district's Strategic Plan Governing Priority 1: Success ready Students, Objective 1.3: maintain a positive classroom environment conducive to teaching and learning, Strategy C: provide an ongoing professional learning and support for leaders and teachers regarding consistent implementation of the code of conduct. In addition, this professional learning opportunity helps meet the goals of Dr. Grenita Lathan's 2023-2024 15 Step Initial Discipline Plan.
