Positive Behavior Support in Schools (PBSIS)

PBSIS

Positive Behavior Supports in Schools, or PBSIS, reinforces positive student behavior rather than providing consequences for negative behaviors by employing an evidence based, three-tiered framework. PBSIS focuses on directly teaching students what the behavioral expectations are and the interventions that support them. By identifying and encouraging desired behaviors that fit the needs of our individual school, the overall school climate will continuously improve. 


PBSIS is a key component in the function of a school since it offers a set of tools for creating a safe educational experience for all students. The framework allows staff to deliver support to students while identifying students who are in need of personalized interventions.

Tier 1: Universal Prevention: Setting the foundation by defining behavioral expectations to all students.

Tier 2: Targeted Prevention: Identifying ‘at-risk’ students in order to provide support in small groups of students with similar targeted behavior needs.

Tier 3: Intense, Individualized Prevention: Relying on formal assessment, student’s needs will be determined and a personal support plan is developed.

Some guiding principles include:

  • Students can learn behavioral expectations for different situations

  • Students learn expected behaviors for school settings through explicit instruction and opportunities to practice and get feedback

  • Early intervention can prevent more serious behavior problems

  • Every student is different, so schools need to offer varying types of behavior support

  • The way schools teach behavior should be based on research and science

  • Tracking a student’s behavioral progress is key

  • Schools gather and use data to make decisions about behavior interventions

  • School staff are consistent in how they encourage expected behavior and how they discourage infractions

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PBSIS