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Positive Behavior Support for Students

Student behavior is frequently a source of concern for teachers and school administrators. As the world grows ever more chaotic, divisive, and uncertain, we will need to continue to foster positive behavior.

Fortunately, there are evidence-based programs that can help to foster positive behavior. All you need is a little support from Rachel’s Challenge and the desire to make a change to get started.

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Whitepaper

Youth mental health threats are illuminating a significant need for actionable solutions for students in a post-pandemic world. 

Read our State of Youth Mental Health Report

It’s normal for students of all ages to feel anxiety and frustration. But when those emotions affect behavior and challenge a teacher’s ability to teach effectively, action needs to be taken.

If this description speaks to you, it’s time to consider positive behavioral interventions and supports, or PBIS. This is a three-tiered framework based on evidence and designed to integrate systems, practices, and data to promote positive student behavior.

PBIS starts in the classroom. Allow Rachel’s Challenge to step in and help you build a foundation that promotes an effective PBIS program that works for your school.

The Three Tiers of PBIS

Positive behavior is achieved incrementally. As your students move from tier to tier, you will see improvements and achieve goals every step of the way. Here’s what you can expect from the PBIS process.

Tier 1

Tier 1 of the PBIS program is designed to reach every member within your educational sphere. 

In this tier, the foundations of regular support are built and will begin to curb undesirable behaviors. Of course, this isn’t achieved overnight.

This tier’s step-by-step process includes:

Monitoring the progress of students
Using data in the decision-making process
Intervening in a way that is scientifically valid and based on research
Intervening before behaviors escalate
Teaching appropriate behavior to every student

Without the foundational groundwork of Tier 1, we cannot meet the objectives of the following tiers.

Allow Rachel’s Challenge to ensure that your students develop the pro-social skills needed to succeed.

Tier 1
Tier 2

Tier 2

Tier 2 is a more focused process that identifies and works with students at a higher risk of destructive behavior. 

As you might imagine, these children are sometimes more challenging to reach and connect with.

But with the help of Rachel’s Challenge, you can implement some processes and procedures that will assist in your intervention efforts.

Specifically, the Tier 2 process involves:

Continuous monitoring from an intervention team
Flexibility and participation from students
Helping students align with school-wide expectations
Support from every member of a school’s staff

Tier 2 offers a more focused approach to positive behavior for students.

Tier 3

Tier 3 is similar to Tier 2, but it is more intensive. Students get even more personalized attention from the positive behavior support team in this tier.

Tier 3 is similar to Tier 2, but it is more intensive. Students get even more personalized attention from the positive behavior support team in this tier.

Function-based assessments that identify the “why” of a student’s behavior
Wraparound responses that are holistic and provide both professional and natural support
Person-centered planning that helps a student identify and reach their goals
Cultural and contextual considerations that keep familial, racial, and cultural experiences in mind

Most often, only around 1%-5% of students need the additional support of Tier 3

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What to Expect from an Effective PBIS Program

As you might imagine, implementing an effective positive behavior support program takes a reasonable amount of time and resources. But many schools find that the outcomes of PBIS programming are worth the investment.

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The effects of PBIS are proven by data and research and include these documented results:

Improved perceptions of teacher efficacy and school safety
Reduced need for office referrals, suspensions, and other disciplinary actions
Decreased rates of alcohol and drug abuse, as reported by students
Improved outcomes for students with disabilities
Improved competence, both socially and emotionally, for students
Reduced reports of bullying
Improved academic outcomes

If these sound like PBIS objectives your school would like to target, consider this program as your next strategy.

 Rachel’s Challenge has worked with several schools that use PBIS and can integrate our SEL programs to complement PBIS efforts.

How to Get Started with Rachel’s Challenge

At Rachel’s Challenge, our goal is always to improve connectedness, kindness, empathy, and the positive behavior of students. If you are considering leveraging PBIS in schools, consider our social-emotional learning (SEL) programs the perfect companion resource.

Remember, PBIS in schools works best when implemented on a school-wide basis. Whether your target is an elementary, middle, or high school, we have the knowledge and resources to help you reach that goal.

We know that each age group, school, and community has its unique challenges. And we are here to deliver personalized content that speaks to the target audience.

Tips for the Classroom

Here are some examples of PBIS for the classroom:

Function-based assessments that identify the “why” of a student’s behavior
Wraparound responses that are holistic and provide both professional and natural support
Person-centered planning that helps a student identify and reach their goals
Cultural and contextual considerations that keep familial, racial, and cultural experiences in mind

These are just a few PBIS examples that have proven effective in the classroom. You will find that small but simple efforts can make a difference in encouraging positive behavior.

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