The following recommendations were compiled by CMS-PBIS Coaches to assist schools with prevention and intervention of problem student behavior on school buses.
To prevent problem student behavior on buses, behavior expectations and rules are taught to all students within the first week of school each year. Teaching may look different at the elementary versus secondary level. Teaching should include instruction, modeling, practice, reminders, and providing feedback.
It is essential to involve bus drivers in the effective implementation of a school-wide bus behavior plan. Issues can occur in the school transfer to the bus and vice versa. The more information that drivers have about the school plan, the more prepared they are to communicate and support positive student behavior.
Acknowledging correct behavior is an essential component of a positive transportation experience. Punishment alone will not yield long-term behavioral change. Encouragement of students as well as adults is positive support for all.
Statistically, even with a sound bus behavior system in place, some students may still have difficulties with chronic bus behavior. Repeated behavioral issues by students are evidence of a learning error or something more intense. When patterns of bus behavior occur, it is essential to use positive interventions and strategies to support student growth.