Universal System
The universal system, often called the primary prevention system, tier1, or green zone, is in place to support all students (including those receiving targeted or individualized intervention) and staff within a school. A universal system includes the establishment of a representative team that meets regularly, receives training and coaching support and then trains staff/students, reviews data, and updates their action plan.
School-wide expectations are also developed, defined, and explicitly taught in a universal system. For example, a school’s expectations might be: “Respect, Responsibility, and Safety”. The expectations would be defined across settings in the school. For example, “Responsibility” in the cafeteria means cleaning up your lunch when finished and “Safety” means walking in the cafeteria. These behaviors would be taught to students at the beginning of the year, regular intervals throughout the year, and as needed based on data.
Universal systems also include an acknowledgment system that reaches all students and staff in a school to recognize positive, pro-social behavior. An acknowledgment system should be documented in staff and student/parent handbooks. Acknowledgement systems are often varied and modified based on student/staff population and feedback.
Correction systems are a part of a universal behavior system. Corrections occur after, for example, expectations have been defined and explicitly taught. The correction system includes definition of what is staff-managed versus office-managed or what is documented as a minor of major referral, respectively. Establishing a continuum of consequences that are preventative and remedial in nature (e.g., re-teaching) is also part of the correction system. The universal team would finally put together a user-friendly explanation of the discipline process for staff and students/parents (e.g., a flowchart. See example below).
Last, data system is another essential component of a universal system. Data should be easily accessible, accurate, and able to assist in school-wide behavior decisions. Data is reviewed during universal team meetings and is used to determine school-wide progress and intervention needs as appropriate. |
