PBM to be rolled out in schools this term

By Aabigayle McIntosh

The Ministry of Education is gearing up to implement a pilot program for its Positive Behavior Management (PBM) strategy in approximately six schools this year.

Over recent years, the Ministry has diligently worked on fostering PBM principles within the education community, with a particular focus on those who directly engage with students.

The impetus for this initiative gained momentum during the previous academic year when the Ministry recognized the potential of the PBM strategy to mitigate negative interactions within schools.

A spokesperson for the Ministry’s program Dr Desiree Antonio revealed that the PBM pilot will be introduced in these six selected schools, where staff members have already commenced the essential training process.

The selected pilot schools encompass Glansville Secondary, Irene B. Williams, The Old Primary, Villa, Liberta, and Pares.

“Largely from the reports that we have had the teachers and ancillary staff they have embraced it and so we will be monitoring. They have to get a PBM team, put it into action, and monitor what is happening in the new class,” she said.

The upcoming phase involves forming PBM teams, putting the strategy into practice, and closely monitoring its impact within the classroom environment.

Positive Behavior Management (PBM) has the potential to transform schools into nurturing environments that prioritize alternative disciplinary approaches. This initiative aligns with the Effective Schools Framework, a crucial strategy endorsed by UNICEF.

It is noteworthy that UNICEF has been a supportive partner in the Ministry’s efforts, providing training for educators in PBM. Furthermore, a comprehensive survey conducted in 2019 assessed whether there has been any discernible change in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to classroom discipline among those who received PBM training.

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A pilot for the Ministry of Education’s Positive Behavior Management (PBM) strategy will be rolled out this year in about six schools.

Over the last few years, the Ministry has been working to promote PBM practices among the various stakeholders in education, but more so, among those who interact with the students.

The work gained momentum last academic year when the ministry decided that this strategy would help temper the negative interactions that were occurring in schools.

The Ministry’s representative for the program explained it will be introduced in the six pilot schools. The staff at those schools have already started the training process that will be required.

The Pilot schools include Glansville Secondary and Irene B. Williams. The Old Primary, Villa, Liberta and Pares.

With Positive Behaviour Management (PBM) school can become a supportive environment, where alternative forms of discipline are promoted.

This is part of the Effective Schools Framework, a key strategy promoted by UNICEF.

UNICEF has supported the ministry in training teachers in PBM and in 2019 a survey was carried out to ascertain whether there has been any change in knowledge, attitudes, and practices relating to classroom discipline among those trained.