What is positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS)?

PBIS is a proactive systems approach to responding to "red flags" and preventing classroom and school discipline and academic problems.  Emphasis is directed toward developing and maintaining a respectful learning environment where teachers can teach and students can learn. The purpose of the PBIS approach is to provide schools with the tools for systematic planning and problem solving. 

The systems approach allows for:

• Team based planning and problem solving
• Instructional approach to behavior management
• Active administrator support
• Long term action planning

What kinds of problems does PBIS address?

• High rates of problem behavior and poor academic performance
• Ineffective and inefficient disciplinary practices
• Lack of both general and specialized behavioral and or academic interventions
• Lack of staff support for problem behavior and or poor academic performance
• Negative school environment
• Use of crisis/reactive management

What outcomes are emphasized?

• Enhancing communications
• Increasing consistency
• Collecting and disseminating information (DATA)
• Identifying, implementing & sustaining most effective practices
• Operationalizing reforms, policies and initiatives
• Increasing efficiency & effectiveness
• Formalizing problem solving

What strategies are emphasized?

• Active student supervision
• School wide data collection & evaluation
• Team planning and problem solving
• Student directed data collection & evaluation ie QUALITY KID
• Social skills instruction ie COOL TOOLS
• Consistent implementation of practices
• Positive reinforcement for desired outcomes
• School-wide discipline practices
• Reevaluation of practices using data allowing for continuous improvement
• Functional assessment based behavior support plans for targeted populations (Yellow)
• Comprehensive wraparound-based plans for students with most intensive needs (Red)