Participating
School Districts

AVCS logo AVCS Moriah Moriah NACS NAC Saranac Saranac Ticonderoga Ticonderoga

A Project of CVES logoCVES

What is SPSE (Supporting Positive School Environments)?

SPSE is an umbrella term we have given to our multiple efforts to build a stronger supportive school community. It is based on a proven, systems-focused approach that:

  • decreases problem behaviors among students,
  • increases student on-task engagement, and
  • raises levels of satisfaction with the school climate for students, teachers, and parents.

SPSE is based on:

  • programs and services designed to meet the unique goals and challenges of each student
  • the rights of individuals with behavior difficulties to be given the same educational and social opportunities as those without such issues
  • the belief that behavior is learned, serves a purpose, and can most effectively be improved through the use of personalized-intervention planning to promote positive change
  • data-based decision making

SPSE Goals:

  • to encourage local control in improving school culture. In other words, schools establish their own rules, practices and procedures, manage their own process within the context of the SPSE framework
  • to increase each student’s protective factors and reduce risk factors
  • to reduce the need for more intensive interventions for students whose behavior, without intervention, might escalate
  • to build a culture of learning where classroom/school disruptions, incidents, and resulting disciplinary actions and suspensions are reduced
  • to provide a continuum of positively focused behavioral expectations and interventions

Intended consequences:
An SPSE School Leadership Team focuses its efforts on improving three (3) primary areas:

  • school-wide procedures for discipline and student support
  • targeted interventions designed to prevent further escalation of problems
  • individualized behavior support planning

These efforts provide a framework for change school-wide, resulting in:

  • safer schools
  • more positive school climates
  • improved academic outcomes
  • more effective responses to students who display significant problem behaviors, and
  • higher parent and community satisfaction

Learn more --
www.pbis.org
www.pbismaryland.org
www.apbs.org
www.promoteprevent.org

For more information, please contact:
Wanda McQueen - Project Administrator
(518) 561-0100 x 357

School Community Coordinator
(518) 561-0100 x373