PBIS Defined:
Positive Behavioral Interventions & Support (PBIS) is rooted in the behavioral or behavior analytical perspective in which it is assumed that behavior is learned, is related to immediate and social environmental factors, and can be changed. PBIS is based on the idea that students learn appropriate behavior in the same way they learn to read—through instruction, practice, feedback, and encouragement. Key features of PBIS include: (1) administrative leadership, (2) team-based implementation, (3) a clear set of defined positive expectations and behaviors, (4) teaching of expected behaviors, (5) recognition of meeting expected behaviors, (6) monitoring and correcting errors in behaviors, and (7) using data-based information for decision-making, monitoring, and evaluating building results.

Why PBIS?
Previously, school-wide discipline has focused mainly on reacting to specific student misbehavior by implementing punishment-based strategies including reprimands, loss of privileges, office referrals, suspensions, and expulsions. Research has shown that the implementation of punishment, especially when it is used inconsistently and in the absence of other positive strategies, is ineffective. Introducing, modeling, and reinforcing positive social behavior is an important aspect of a student’s educational experience. Teaching behavioral expectations and recognizing students for following them is a much more positive approach than waiting for misbehavior to occur before responding. The purpose of school-wide PBIS is to establish a climate in which appropriate behavior is the norm.

School PBIS programs:
Esther | Maplecrest | Boswell | etc.