Behavioral, Mental Health, and Social Emotional Learning » PBIS: What is PBIS?

PBIS: What is PBIS?

What is PBIS?

 

PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Intervention and Support. PBIS is a school-wide, research-based, proactive discipline framework for elementary and middle schools that provides strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors. PBIS fosters a safe, respectful, and positive school climate to increase academic achievement and maximize social, emotional and behavioral competence for all students.

 

Key elements of PBIS include:

 

  • A school-wide commitment to help students learn appropriate behavior, and a positive approach to discipline that supports that learning
  • A set of positive expectations and behaviors decided upon by the school staff and building leaders
  • Procedures for teaching and encouraging expected behaviors
  • Procedures for discouraging inappropriate or unwanted behaviors
  • The use of data to guide decision-making and planning around behavior concerns in classrooms and common spaces
  • An emphasis on the prevention of inappropriate behaviors and celebrations of desired behavior throughout the school year


What are the benefits of supporting positive behavior with PBIS?

 

  • Improves school culture
  • Builds transferable social skills
  • Reduces office discipline referrals
  • Reduces referrals for Special Education
  • Reduces suspensions
  • Increases instructional time
  • Improves social and emotional development
  • Improves school safety
  • Increases student engagement
  • Improves academic performance
  • Improves family involvement
  • Improves faculty retention
  • Improves classroom management
 

What does PBIS look like in a school?


Schools will post classroom and building-wide expectations throughout the building in high visibility areas and reference the expectations frequently when discussing behavior with students.


Schools develop and utilize a behavior matrix that clearly outlines behavior expectations for all students in key areas of the school, eg. classroom, hallways, cafeteria, bathrooms, playground, etc.


Schools develop their own unique acknowledgment system to “catch” kids being good; this increases positive behavior and helps reinforce good choices among other students who observe good behavior being rewarded.


When unexpected behaviors occur, each student interaction is treated as a learning opportunity for the student and a chance for the teacher to connect to a student who may benefit from a positive conversation about behavior alternatives.


School teams meet periodically to evaluate school, grade-level and classroom data to decide how well PBIS is working, what successes can be duplicated, and what additional support staff may need to continue to build a climate and culture of positive behavior.


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