Building a Positive School culture: How PBIS Can Help

 Creating a safe and supportive learning environment is crucial for student success. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) is a framework that empowers schools to achieve just that. Funded by the US Department of Education, PBIS equips educators with robust tools to promote positive behavior, improve academic outcomes, and prevent bullying (Werner, 2017); here is what makes PBIS unique:

1. Prevention Focus: PBIS prioritizes proactive measures. Instead of waiting for problems to arise, it establishes clear expectations and teaches desired behaviors. This reduces disruptions and fosters a more positive school climate.
2. Data-Driven Decisions: Data collection is key. Educators gather information on student behavior patterns to identify areas for improvement, measure intervention effectiveness, and make informed decisions about support strategies.
3. Tiered Support System: PBIS recognizes that students have different needs. It utilizes a tiered approach to provide targeted interventions. Tier one provides a foundation of positive expectations for all students, and Tier two offers additional support for students exhibiting early signs of behavioral challenges. Tier three provides intensive, individualized interventions for students with the most significant needs.
4. Power of Positive Reinforcement: PBIS emphasizes acknowledging and rewarding positive behaviors. This motivates students to continue exhibiting desired behaviors and creates a more supportive learning environment.

The Benefits of PBIS

Werner (2017) writes about the following benefits of PBIS:

1. Improved School Climate: By promoting positive behavior and reducing disruptions, PBIS can create a safer and more welcoming learning environment for everyone.
2. Enhanced Academic: Studies suggest a link between positive school environments and improved academic outcomes. When students feel safe and supported, they can focus on better learning.
3. Reduced Disciplinary Actions: PBIS interventions aim to prevent behavioral issues before they escalate, potentially decreasing disciplinary referrals and suspensions.
4. Bullying Prevention: PBIS can be a valuable tool in addressing bullying behaviors. Schools can create a culture of empathy and inclusion by establishing clear expectations for respectful interactions and teaching students how to intervene in bullying situations.

Moving From Promise to Practice

This post you just read provides a high-level overview of PBIS. If you're interested in learning more about implementing PBIS in your school, here are some resources to get you started:

The OSEP Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/resources/office-special-education-programs-osep-technical-assistance-center-positive-behavioral) offers a wealth of information and downloadable resources.

The National Center on PBIS (https://www.pbis.org/) provides professional development and technical assistance to schools working to implement PBIS initiatives.

References

1. Werner, DR. A. (2017). PBIS: An Overview and Introduction to the Prevention of Bullying Behaviors [Review of PBIS: An Overview and Introduction to the Prevention of Bullying Behaviors]. In hoonnuit, LLC. Retrieved June 27, 2024, from https://learningcloud.infobase.com/5702/learnit

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