Educators understand how important it is to establish a positive school culture that promotes learning and cooperation among students, teachers, and support staff. Unfortunately, some schools fall back on simply punishing those who act out. That doesn’t create a supportive atmosphere in which all students can learn and thrive.
One effective resource more school leaders are turning to is PBIS, meaning “Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.” PBIS puts a focus on preventing problems, not on punishing students once the negative behaviors occur.
But what is PBIS in education, and how could you implement it? Learn more about this behavioral strategy.
What Is PBIS in Education?
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports is a structured framework in which schools teach expected behaviors through explicit instruction and offer various types of behavioral support tailored to what each student is dealing with.
PBIS is data-driven and proactive. Its goal is to prevent serious behavior problems by addressing issues early. By showing students the positive behavior that will be rewarded instead of only punishing negative behavior, students receive a clear idea of what’s expected of them.
How PBIS Works in Schools
PBIS has a three-tiered framework. Tier 1 is the universal, school-wide system that all students must follow. This tier outlines the basic behaviors that are expected, like treating everyone with kindness and respect. Teachers and school staff can praise appropriate behavior to promote a welcoming, supportive school environment.
Tier 2 support involves extra targeted help that is offered to students who may be at risk of behavioral issues. If a student struggles with social interactions, for example, they could receive Tier 2 support to learn how to better handle interpersonal interactions.
When Tier 2 support is insufficient, Tier 3 support may be provided to individual students who have ongoing behavioral problems.
All three tiers rely on data to monitor behaviors. This data is then used to identify problems and find the best strategies to address these issues.
One of the most important advantages of PBIS is the ability to offer clarity for students about behavioral expectations. There is no ambiguity about what they should or shouldn’t do.
Benefits of Implementing PBIS
Implementing PBIS in your school offers benefits for students, teachers, and the school at large. Students can see an improvement in their behaviors, leading to fewer disciplinary actions. This helps to improve their academic performance and in doing so, boosts their self-esteem.
Teachers can benefit from PBIS because they spend less time in class disciplining students or addressing behavioral challenges. They find it easier to keep the classroom environment more positive.
For the entire school, PBIS offers the chance to create a more welcoming and supportive environment in which students can thrive. That means academic achievements that could earn schools better ratings. It also means fewer suspensions and expulsions.
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Examples of PBIS in Action
PBIS programs are set up with specific strategies, beginning with reward systems. When students behave as they are expected to, they can be rewarded. For example, leaders can create a school-wide system of tokens that students can exchange for items from a school store or the cafeteria.
Leaders can also implement recognition programs that reward students for their achievements and successes. These programs might include giving out certificates during assemblies or giving students shout-outs on social media, for example.
Another important part of implementing PBIS is behavior contracts and check-ins. A teacher can review a student’s daily behavior together, making sure the student understands what they can improve and how they can do so. This encourages a collaborative approach to managing behavioral issues.
One successful implementation of PBIS was at an elementary school in Ohio. This school offers rewards in the form of digital tokens for positive behaviors. Students can then exchange their tokens for homework passes, extra recess time, and even a chance to have lunch with the principal.
The Ohio school went even further by starting a school house system and encouraging students to win points for their houses. This initiative has helped foster positive school spirit.
Challenges and Criticisms of PBIS in Education
PBIS might be a challenge to implement for educators who are used to other methods of managing behavioral issues. This could lead to the inconsistent application of PBIS, which may lead to confusion among students.
Critics of PBIS also worry that this strategy focuses too much on external rewards. The students begin to focus on the reward and not on the behavior that led to it.
Another concern is that school-wide behavioral reward systems could exclude students with existing behavioral issues. A student who gets fewer rewards (or none) because they’re struggling can start to see the reward system as a punishment.
One of the best ways to manage these challenges is to be wary of overusing rewards. Another is to encourage educators to recognize students who are improving, no matter how slowly, in order to prevent them from feeling excluded.
How Schools Can Implement PBIS
To implement PBIS, a school should first set up a team. This team can decide on the behavioral expectations that students will be made aware of as well as the reward system that will be used.
Consistent and thorough training is important. All teachers and staff must be ready to participate in PBIS; otherwise, the implementation might confuse both students and educators. Additionally, faculty members should always know where to turn for any questions or worries they may have about PBIS.
Leaders should also create a strategy for collecting and using data to improve practices and uncover potential weaknesses. The best way to do this depends on the school’s goals.
Above all, however, leaders must make PBIS a school-wide effort in order to ensure that students are enthusiastic about participating.
Improving the School Environment with the Right Support
PBIS is a powerful tool that can help schools improve student behavior and create a supportive environment. At Rachel’s Challenge, we believe that students, school staff, and entire communities can prevent violence by working toward building a welcoming and safe atmosphere.
Ready to Build a Kinder, Safer School?
Partner with Rachel’s Challenge to inspire your school community with hope, kindness, and safety.
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