Union Schools Recognized for Positive Behavioral Interventions

The Union Township School District has received statewide recognition for its successful implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), earning Bronze level certification from the New Jersey PBIS Network. The district was honored for creating comprehensive systems that promote positive school climate and reduce disciplinary incidents across its elementary and middle schools, according to TAPinto Union.

The Bronze certification acknowledges Union’s successful implementation of tier one interventions, which focus on establishing clear behavioral expectations, consistent reinforcement systems, and data-driven decision-making. District officials report significant reductions in disciplinary referrals and improved attendance rates since the program’s introduction three years ago.

Comprehensive Approach to School Climate

Union’s PBIS implementation centers around a district-wide framework that establishes consistent behavioral expectations while allowing individual schools to customize specific elements to meet their unique needs. The program uses the acronym “PRIDE” (Prepared, Respectful, Inclusive, Determined, and Engaged) to communicate core behavioral values across all schools.

“PBIS represents a fundamental shift from reactive discipline to proactive teaching and reinforcement of positive behaviors,” explained Dr. Michael Rodriguez, Union’s Assistant Superintendent for Student Services. “Rather than focusing primarily on consequences for misconduct, we’re explicitly teaching expectations and recognizing students when they meet those standards.”

Each school has developed specific applications of the PRIDE framework for different settings, including classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, and playgrounds. Teachers and staff use a variety of recognition strategies, from verbal praise to more formal acknowledgment systems, to reinforce positive behaviors throughout the school day.

According to NJ PBIS Network, Union’s comprehensive implementation exemplifies best practices in creating a supportive learning environment, with particularly strong performance in establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent adult responses to student behavior.

Data-Driven Results

The district’s Bronze certification was supported by compelling data demonstrating PBIS effectiveness. Since full implementation began three years ago, Union schools have seen a 42% reduction in office disciplinary referrals and a 36% decrease in in-school suspensions across the district.

“The data clearly shows that our proactive approach is working,” said Jennifer Martinez, Principal of Jefferson Elementary School. “Beyond the reduction in behavioral incidents, we’re seeing improvements in attendance rates, academic performance, and overall school climate measures.”

District officials presented data showing that average daily attendance has increased from 93.2% to 95.8% across all schools implementing PBIS. Additionally, teacher surveys indicate significant improvements in classroom management effectiveness and reduced instructional time lost to behavioral disruptions.

Teacher Training and Support

A critical component of Union’s successful implementation has been comprehensive professional development for all staff members. The district has invested in training for teachers, administrators, support staff, and even bus drivers to ensure consistent understanding and application of PBIS principles.

“The training isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing process,” explained Sarah Thompson, PBIS Coach at Burnet Middle School. “We’ve created professional learning communities within each school where teachers can share successful strategies, troubleshoot challenges, and review behavioral data to identify improvement opportunities.”

The district has partnered with Rutgers University’s Center for Effective School Practices to provide advanced training and technical assistance. This collaboration has helped Union develop sustainable systems for continued implementation and evaluation of the program’s effectiveness.

Professional development coordinator Lisa Chen told Education NJ that the district’s approach to staff training emphasizes practical application rather than just theoretical understanding, ensuring that teachers have concrete strategies they can immediately implement in their classrooms.

Family and Community Engagement

Union’s PBIS framework extends beyond school buildings through active family and community engagement strategies. The district has conducted parent workshops on using similar behavioral approaches at home, creating consistency between school and family environments.

“We’ve worked to create a common language around behavior that extends from school to home,” said Robert Wilson, Union’s Director of School Counseling. “When parents understand and support the PBIS approach, students receive consistent messages about expectations across different settings.”

The district has also developed partnerships with local businesses that provide incentives for the student recognition program. These community connections help reinforce the importance of positive behavior while giving local establishments an opportunity to support educational initiatives.

Next Steps and Silver Certification

With Bronze certification achieved, Union is now working toward Silver level recognition, which requires implementation of tier two interventions targeting students who need additional behavioral support beyond the universal tier one approaches.

“Bronze certification confirms we’ve built a solid foundation, but our work continues,” said Union Superintendent Dr. James Thompson. “We’re now developing more targeted interventions for students who need additional support while maintaining our successful universal practices.”

The district has already begun implementing several tier two strategies, including check-in/check-out systems, social skills groups, and behavior contracts for students who require more intensive intervention. These approaches provide increased structure and feedback while maintaining the positive focus that characterizes the overall PBIS framework.

District officials anticipate applying for Silver certification during the 2026-2027 school year after collecting sufficient data on their tier two interventions. The NJ PBIS Network provides ongoing technical assistance to districts working toward advanced certification levels.

“Union’s commitment to building positive school environments serves as a model for other districts,” said Dr. Maria Sanchez, Director of the NJ PBIS Network. “Their systematic approach demonstrates how intentional focus on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors can transform school climate and improve outcomes for all students.”