Home » Resolutions » Resolution 2025-2 BEHAVIOUR RESOURCE SUPPORT IN ISLAND SCHOOLS
Resolution 2025-2 BEHAVIOUR RESOURCE SUPPORT IN ISLAND SCHOOLS
Submitted by: Somerset Home and School Association
Resolution Content
WHEREAS there is a recognized need for additional support in managing student behaviour in schools across Prince Edward Island, and
WHEREAS behaviour resource positions are not currently included in the Minister of Education and Early Year’s (DEEY) staffing allocations, and
WHEREAS the New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has implemented Positive Behaviour Intervention Supports (PBIS) in 64 schools with positive outcomes, and
WHEREAS the Department of Education and Early Years and the Public Schools Branch (PSB) have acknowledged the increasing demand by piloting PBIS in the 2024-2025 school year, and
WHEREAS the presence of dedicated behaviour resources in schools is essential for students with behavioural challenges, improving the overall learning environment, and
WHEREAS PBIS has been shown to improve school climate, reduce exclusionary discipline, increase opportunities for positive interactions and relationships between school staff and students, and create learning environments that support both social development and academic growth;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the PEI Home and School Federation requests the Department of Education and Early Years (DEEY) and the Public Schools Branch (PSB) add a minimum of 0.5FTE student behaviour intervention resource positions to future staffing allocations by the Minister of Education, in island schools.
REFERENCES:
- Positive Behaviour Intervention Supports, https://pbis.nbed.ca/roles_responsibilities/
- Response to Intervention for Behaviour, NB August 2017 https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/ed/pdf/K12/Inclusion/ResponseToInterventionForBehaviour.pdf
~Passed as amended, April 12, 2025
Saturday, April 12, 2025
| Destination: | Department of Education and Early Years Public Schools Branch/Board of Trustees |
Responses Received
Minister of Education and Early Years, Hon. Robin Croucher, Jun. 11/25: The SBIR positions have exited in PSB schools for many years. The staffing allocation is determined by the PSB. School schools have created these positions withn their resource alloction and there would be a variety of deployments of this type of position at various schools. For all staffing allocation decisions, the education authorities have the autonomy through the budget process to prioritize their needs and the Department will continue to work with the boards in the areas they identify as priorities for them.
In addition, there has been significant work related to student behaviours completed by the PSB and DEEY in the area of social emotiional learning over the last few years. One example of this is the recent implementation of Positive Behaviour Intervention Supports (PBIS) framework in 19 schools in the 2024-25 school year. Eighteen positions were approved by DEEY to PSB which have enabled the PBIS rollout to proceed.
PEI Public Schools Branch, Tracy Beaulieu, June 26/25: The PSB acknowledges the growing challenges schools are facing in managing dysregulated behaviours among students. Although staffing allocations from the Ministry of Education are primarily determined by a formula based on student enrolment, a Minister’s Directive also provides for additional resource staff, proportionate to the overall student population. However, there is currently no dedicated staffing specifically allocated for behaviour resource.
Although there is no dedicated staffing for behaviour resource roles, two thirds of our schools have adopted innovative approaches to create such positions within their existing allocations. In addition to this, support for students requiring behavioural guidance is often provided by Positive Behaviour Interventions and Support (PBIS) teachers (being piloted in 19 schools), school counsellors, educational assistants, and/or youth service workers. These positions are funded through the annual staffing allocation provided to PSB.
Looking ahead to the 2025–2026 school year, recent amendments to the Memorandum of Agreement have resulted in increased staffing allocations for schools. Administrators will have the flexibility to deploy these additional resources in ways that best support their students’ needs, whether academic or behavioural.
The PSB will continue to work with the Ministry to address these growing challenges in our system, and we appreciate the Provincial Home and School Associations for recognizing the needs in our schools.