PBIS

What is PBIS? 

PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention & Supports) is a proactive and interactive approach to establish a social culture in a school that supports social, emotional, and academic success. It uses data-based decision making to align curriculum and behavioral supports for students and staff. It is aimed at supporting safe and effective school environments while preventing behavior problems with students. 

Where Did it Come From? 

The origin of PBIS is Eugene. Oregon. In 1994 Rob Horner, George Sugai, and Anne Todd, professors at the University of Oregon, focused on research to guide effective practices for behavior management. Their original focus was Fern Ridge Middle School in Eugene that had a student population of 880 with 5,100 office referrals in one year. This began the National Center for PBIS which uses this research based system. It has grown and now includes four countries, over forty states, and at least 10,000 schools. 

How Does it Work? 

PBIS is a three-tiered systems approach for establishing a positive learning culture and individualized behavior supports needed for schools to be effective learning environments for all students. The behavior expectations are taught, modeled, acknowledged, monitored, and then retaught as necessary. The goal is to provide practice and reinforcement at the Universal level for ALL students so that fewer students need intervention at the Tier 2 level where a more individualized plan with intensive individual interventions is used. A continuous analysis of data, the systems, and the outcomes guides all decision making. 

What are the Benefits? 

Data shows that schools implementing PBIS with fidelity see an increase in attendance, a more positive and calm environment, reduced behavioral disruptions, increased academic time & student achievement.