Behavior+Expectations+&+Matrices

This page explains the importance of developing **school-wide core behavioral values** and **positive behavior matrices** to help guide the teaching and learning of PBIS throughout the school.

Before developing a behavior matrix, educators must first identify 3-5 "**core behavioral values for the school**" (Dunlap et al., 2010, p. 12). Often, schools will choose to focus on guiding principles such as "respect, responsibility, safety, productivity, and effort" (Dunlap et al, 2010, p. 12). In our own schools we have developed unique acronyms (usually related to a mascot or theme) that help students to easily recall the main behavior expectations.

At Northwood Elementary in Royal Oak, MI, we developed the acronym O.A.K.S.--which represents the following principles: At Woodworth Elementary in Leslie, MI, we developed the acronym S.T.A.R.S. -- which represents the following principles: At Wilkshire Early Childhood Center in Haslett, MI, we developed 3 school rules that are posted at every classroom: _ Be Safe Be Friendly Be Responsible || ||
 * **_**
 * _ **
 * O** = Outstanding Learners
 * A** = Always Respectful
 * K** = Kindness Counts
 * S** = Safety First || [[image:Picture_001.jpg width="227" height="232"]] ||
 * **_**
 * _ **
 * S** = Safe
 * T** = Trustworthy
 * A** = And
 * R** = Respectful
 * S** = Students || [[image:STARS.jpg width="273" height="201"]] ||
 * _

After the core behavioral values have been defined, it is essential staff members create a **matrix** that focuses on how the core values are to be followed in different locations around the school. When completed, a positive behavior expectation matrix allows both teachers and students to easily locate information regarding expected behaviors in different parts of the school.

Here are **examples** of the **behavior matrices** that we developed: