Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS In a Nutshell

PBIS is a process to create safe and more effective schools. The goal is to improve the school's ability to build positive and productive learning environments for all students and staff. 27 of 29 ABCUSD schools use the framework to improve the academic and social outcomes of students. Research on PBIS shows that effective practices can lead to improved attendance and academic achievement, and reduced office discipline referrals and suspensions. Each school has a PBIS team of 5-7 staff (like teachers, principals, administrators, psychologists, and social workers) to plan and implement PBIS on campus.

Important Elements of PBIS

• PBIS promotes positive behavior with school-wide student expectations

• All areas on campus (like classroom, hallways, snack/lunch, and recess) have expectations for appropriate behavior

• School staff model, teach, and reinforce the behavior expectations

• There is a system to recognize student's positive actions and behavior

• School staff are taught to prevent and respond to negative student behavior

• Disciplinary action and suspensions are issued consistently, fairly, and only when necessary

• Data (like attendance, academics, and discipline) are reviewed to evaluate PBIS