Lansing School District Continues Work to Strengthen Universal K-8 Behavior System
Lansing School District is proud to have expanded our BIST program for grades K-8 during the 2022-2023 school year. Because of its success, we will continue it across those grades for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. BIST, which stands for Behavior Intervention Support Team, aims to provide students with practical tools for managing their behavior. This initiative aims to "equip educators and parents with strategies to help students develop emotional awareness and positive coping skills, fostering a safe and productive environment both within and outside the classroom."
To ensure another successful year of using BIST, all K-8 educators in Lansing School District underwent comprehensive training led by BIST Director Marty Huitt on August 8th and 9th. Ms. Huitt has been a BIST educational consultant since 1997 and the team's director since 2003. Before joining the BIST team, Ms. Huitt taught students with behavior disorders and even had the opportunity to utilize BIST in her classroom and facilitate the implementation of the model throughout the junior high building. She brought a wealth of knowledge to our Lansing USD469 staff, who appreciated her sense of humor and ability to inspire.
The BIST program functions as a support team to guide students in improving their behavior. Unlike a mere set of rules, it emphasizes collaboration between teachers, parents, and students. This collective approach seeks to provide students with practical life skills that will serve them well beyond the school years.
In addition, the BIST program empowers educators and parents to effectively assist students with emotional awareness and constructive coping mechanisms in various life situations. BIST also acknowledges the significance of emotional well-being and helps students recognize and manage their emotions, enabling healthier emotional expression and control.
A vital aspect of BIST involves teaching students strategies to navigate challenges. These skills foster resilience and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for academic and personal growth.
With the implementation of the Behavior Intervention Support Team (BIST) program, Lansing School District is proactively addressing students' emotional growth. By fostering collaboration among educators, parents, and students, BIST aims to create a foundation for students to lead successful, safe, and well-adjusted lives.
As BIST becomes integral to students' academic journey, Lansing School District envisions a future where students possess emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions. The program's emphasis on teamwork and skill-building is a testament to the district's commitment to strengthening the "whole child," as stated in our strategic plan goals.