Representatives from Awsaj Academy, which serves students with learning challenges, gave a presentation at the Northwest Positive Behaviour Intervention Supports conference in the US recently. This national conference, in Eugene, Oregon, is renowned for offering expertise in behavioural supports to schools at all levels.
Awsaj Academy, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, took part for the first time in this prestigious conference. The presentation, titled ‘Implementing Positive Behaviour Intervention Supports (PBIS) in a Middle East, Special Needs Context’, focused on how a school-wide behaviour support system could be established at Awsaj Secondary School. A team of school leaders and teachers, including Secondary Principal Dr Don Francis, Assistant Principal Ali Al Shaabi, PBIS facilitator/mathematics teacher Noah Spaulding, and Teacher Leader/science teacher Lamya Beydoun provided a unique experience to the audience.
Data was shared regarding improvements within Awsaj Academy since its implementation of PBIS systems almost two years ago.
Awsaj has adopted four simple rules: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe, Be Your Best. School staff members use a common language to teach these rules in the various common areas of the school using scripted lesson plans. For instance, in the cafeteria, students who talk in a polite voice, who clean up their table and clear their tray, are given tickets that allow them certain privileges within the school. The goal of a PBIS school is to have five positive interactions with each student to every one redirection or disciplinary-type interaction.
Awsaj Academy will be starting a cohort to train schools in Qatar that are interested in establishing this positive behaviour system. The module will require a school leadership team to receive two days of training during the first week of September 2013, with three follow-up days of training and support throughout the school year.
Schools that are interested may contact Awsaj Academy, where the training will be held in English during its first year. Awsaj hopes to be the first to offer the training in Arabic the following academic school year.
The Peninsula
