JT West Positive Intervention Room (PIR)
We teach appropriate behaviors to IEP students.

   
      Dr. Gary Rayl               Maria Georgantas
     (815) 774-1653               (815) 774-1653
      grayl@jths.org           mgeorgantas@jths.org

 
The Positive Intervention Room is an additional resource for IEP students who challenge, disrupt, or have difficulty following the rules of the classroom and building. The PIR design teaches core skills necessary for the success of the special education student through the combination of the student’s IEP goals and quality life habits (Seven habits of highly effective teens).  PIR attempts to develop behaviors which are effective for learning.

Students may be referred to PIR by their dean, teachers, counselor, or parents. Once the student is referred, he/she develops a responsibility plan. This plan is shared with teachers, deans, and support staff as well as the parents. PIR teachers will meet with the student in five days. If the student is following the plan, a positive home contact is made. Staff continues to see the student for six additional weeks. This is done because clinical studies show it takes about 21 days to form new behaviors. New behaviors do not occur overnight; they need to be taught. Each time the student reports to PIR without a referral, positive community communications are made with the parents, teachers, and deans. The group then becomes the cheering crowd for the student which reinforces his/her exhibiting of appropriate school behavior.