The Lawrence County Educational Services Center has been offering training on Positive Behavior Intervention Support to school districts throughout the county.

“The ESC has been given the charge to train districts in the development of this,” curriculum supervisor Johnna Lunsford said.

According to materials used in the training,  PBIS is described as “an implementation framework for maximizing the selection and use of evidence-based prevention and intervention practices along a multi-tiered continuum that supports the academic, social emotional and behavioral competence of all students.”

“We’re trying to affect behavior in a positive way so it affects academic performance,” Lunsford said. “The data shows many students enter school without the social and emotional skills for academic a success.”

Other aims include reducing problem behavior, reducing bullying, increasing perception of safety, reducing staff turnover and improving social-emotional competence.

Wednesday’s training is one of three days offered by the ESC this fall. School leaders will go back to their home districts and share what they have learned to train staff.

“This is about adults creating an environment to help students succeed,” school psy coordinator Julie Mayor said.

The five districts taking part in this week’s training were Chesapeake, Dawson-Bryant, Ironton and Symmes Valley schools.