| The problem of discipline has continued to plague school districts, especially those in urban areas across America. Programs and policy changes have been implemented, many times resulting in very little change. The school that was the focus of this study was experiencing discipline problems associated with student attitude, student behavior, and overall school climate. The purpose of this descriptive case study was to investigate the effect of the implementation of positive behavior support (PBS) on changing school climate at an urban elementary school in New Jersey, with the hope that if PBS was carefully implemented, meaningful behavioral outcomes could result for teachers and students. The primary function of PBS is to build schoolwide structures and systems that focus on supporting prosocial behaviors that could result in a more healthful social climate, as well as maximize academic success and learning for all students. This study found that since the implementation of PBS, the perceptions of the principal, teachers, support staff, parents, and students were in agreement that this program facilitated positive changes in student attitude, student behavior, and overall school climate. Furthermore, the PBS program seems to have the potential to change attitudes, behaviors, and overall school climate, significantly, for the better. |
