Topic Terms

What is PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)

PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) is a school-wide framework that uses proactive, data-driven strategies to create positive school climates and reduce disciplinary issues by teaching and reinforcing expected behaviors.

PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. It is a research-based, school-wide framework for improving student behavior and creating a positive school climate by proactively teaching, modeling, and reinforcing expected behaviors rather than primarily reacting to misbehavior with punishments. PBIS is used in more than 25,000 schools across the United States.

Core Principles of PBIS

  1. Define — Clearly establish 3–5 positively stated behavioral expectations for the whole school (e.g., "Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe")
  2. Teach — Explicitly teach students what these expectations look like in every school setting (hallways, cafeteria, bus, classroom)
  3. Practice — Give students opportunities to practice expected behaviors
  4. Acknowledge — Consistently reinforce positive behaviors using systems like praise, tangible rewards, or points
  5. Correct — Respond to problem behaviors consistently and without overreaction
  6. Monitor — Use behavioral data to evaluate whether the system is working and make adjustments

The Three Tiers of PBIS

PBIS uses the same three-tier structure as MTSS:

  • Tier 1 (Universal) — School-wide expectations, positive recognition systems, consistent responses to behavior for all students (~80% of students respond to Tier 1 alone)
  • Tier 2 (Targeted) — Additional support for students who need more — Check-In/Check-Out (CICO), social skills groups, behavior contracts
  • Tier 3 (Intensive) — Individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSP), Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) for students with severe or persistent behavioral challenges

PBIS in the Classroom

Classroom PBIS includes:

  • Posting and reviewing behavioral expectations regularly
  • Ratio of positive to corrective interactions (aim for 5:1 or more)
  • Specific behavioral praise ("I appreciate how you raised your hand before speaking")
  • Planned ignoring of minor off-task behavior
  • Pre-correction before high-risk transitions

Research Support

PBIS has a strong evidence base:

  • Schools implementing PBIS report reduced office discipline referrals (40–50% reduction common)
  • Improved academic achievement in schools with strong PBIS implementation
  • Reduced suspension and expulsion rates
  • Improved school climate ratings from students and staff
  • Greater equity — reduction in disproportionate discipline of students of color and students with disabilities

PBIS and Special Education

PBIS is required by IDEA 2004 as a component of IEP planning when behavior impedes a student's learning or the learning of others. FBAs and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) are formal Tier 3 PBIS tools.

Related Terms