Why is PBIS particularly important?
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a program for preventing, reducing, and replacing problem behaviors by employing a three tiered framework as described above (See the Strategy Brief on PBIS). PBIS is based on problem-solving models and grounded in differentiated instruction based on tiers of intervention derived from student need. The key elements include:
- Tiered approach to interventions for all students, for students at risk, and for students who are already having serious problems- the prevention framework described earlier.
- School-wide focus on the importance of a student's environment and the role it plays in encouraging or discouraging problem behavior and retention in school.
- Team-oriented approach to planning and implementation of interventions based on the framework.
- Clear set of behavioral expectations and goals for students and staff (e.g., "Be safe, be respectful, be responsible").
- Direct, explicit teaching of appropriate student behavior expectations for specific locations in the school based on the behavioral expectations (e.g. classroom, cafeteria, playground, etc.).
- Consistent use of data collection and data analysis to facilitate decision making and to continuously modify school procedures as may be suggested by the data.
- Consistent effort to reinforce positive student behavior, and actively reinforce positive appropriate student behavior whenever it occurs.