PBIS is a proactive approach to improve student outcomes by supporting students with positive preventative behavior rather than punishment. We focus on teaching our students our desired behaviors and being restorative instead of punitive. When undesired behaviors are displayed we determine the interventions that will best suit our students, in order to help them grow and learn. PBIS is a commitment to establishing behavioral and cultural supports needed for any student to achieve academic and emotional success.

PBIS is a three-tiered framework that supports students in multiple ways. When implemented effectively, students experience greater academic success, schools experience less of a need for exclusionary practices like suspension or expulsion, and teachers and staff often feel more effective. 

 Tier 1: Universal Prevention (All)

Tier 1 emphasizes prosocial skills and expectations by teaching and acknowledging appropriate student behavior.

Tier 1 practices include:

• School-wide positive expectations and behaviors are taught
• Established classroom expectations aligned with school-wide expectations
• A continuum of procedures for encouraging expected behavior
• A continuum of procedures for discouraging problem behavior
• Procedures for Encouraging school-family partnership

Tier 2: Targeted Prevention (Some)

Tier 2 systems, data, and practices provide targeted support for students who are not successful with Tier 1 supports alone. The focus is on supporting students who are at risk for developing more serious problem behavior before those behaviors start. Tier 2 supports often involve group interventions with 10 or more students participating. The support at this level is more focused than Tier 1 and less intensive than Tier 3.

Tier 2 practices include:

• Increased instruction and practice with self-regulation and social skills
• Increased adult supervision
• Increased opportunities for positive reinforcement
• Increased pre-corrections
• Increased focus on the possible function of problem behaviors
• Increased access to academic supports

Tier 3: Intensive, Individualized Prevention (Few)

At most schools, there are 1-5% of students for whom Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports have not connected. At Tier 3, these students receive more intensive, individualized support to improve their behavioral and academic outcomes. Tier 3 strategies work for students with developmental disabilities, autism, emotional and behavioral disorders, and students with no diagnostic label at all.

Tier 3 practices include:

• Function-based assessments
• Wraparound supports
• Cultural and contextual fit

PBIS World

www.PBIS.Org