Positive High Expectations

Positive High Expectations schools combine explicit teaching of evidence-based programs for positive behaviour, socio-emotional learning and character development. The programs are based on Positive Behaviour Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to develop favourable behaviours, Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS) for socio-emotional learning and Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS) for character development based on the 7 Character Strengths.

Positive High Expectations supports a community-based model comprising four integral parts working as a cohesive whole to ensure student success:

  • School team: Sees their goal as educators to ensure that every student succeeds in learning. The school team continually reinforces routines and behaviour expectations, and collaborates on managing behaviour.
  • Teachers: Regularly acknowledge student effort and achievement, and character and behaviour to build students’ self-esteem. Teachers invest in targeted conversations with their students’ parents to build trusting relationships.
  • Parents: Are present in the school to observe how the school team uses positive language and actions to motivate students and develop positive mindsets. Parents reinforce the Positive High Expectations from school using similar techniques and practices at home to bring out the best in their children.
  • Students: Thrive in a positive, high-expectations environment and feel safe, supported, stimulated and challenged so are developing emotionally, physically, socially and intellectually.
Image of student conducting research and benefiting from positive behavior support