A program to help students learn how they can behave well and show respect to classmates and teachers will almost double its reach in Victoria by expanding to a further 400 schools.
The Victorian Government said the Victorian Budget 2025-2026 is investing $10.4 million to expand the School-wide Positive Behaviour Support program, creating safer and more respectful schools for everyone.
Since 2018 the Victorian Government has helped more than 700 schools implement the program.
A further $9.3 million will help keep school staff safe by providing resources such as a specialist coach to teach schools how to handle difficult situations. The coach will provide professional learning, guidance and support to help schools set up effective systems and implement the program to a high standard.
This globally recognised and evidence-based program improves behaviour, wellbeing and learning for children and young people, providing one on one support when needed.
It helps schools teach students how to behave appropriately, create safe spaces for learning, support students who need extra help with behaviour and keep teachers and staff safe from violence. It gives teachers strategies to manage classrooms effectively, reduce disruptions, and spend more time on teaching and learning.
Mr Ben Carroll, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, visited Koonung Secondary College in Mont Albert North to see first-hand how positive behaviour is instilled through the program which the school has been successfully running for nearly two years.
“We’re investing to support the important learning that happens inside classrooms and that includes giving teachers strategies to spend more time on teaching while supporting students to learn,” Carroll said.
“The evidence is clear – School-wide Positive Support helps schools create positive, safe and fair settings and that’s why we’re expanding it so students and teachers at even more schools can thrive.”
Mr Andrew McNeil, Koonung Secondary College principal, said: “As principal of Koonung Secondary College I see firsthand every day how implementing School-wide Positive Behaviour Support empowers teachers to spend more time building positive relationships and focusing on learning.
“I’m pleased more Victorian government schools, staff and students will benefit from the expansion of the initiative, which not only helps foster a safe, orderly and supportive school environment but enhances students’ social and emotional wellbeing.”
The funding is part of more than $4.9 billion the Victorian Budget 2025-2026 has invested in education.
