PBIS is a framework for improving students' academic and behavioral outcomes in school learning environments (Van Otterloo, 2021). The rationale for PBIS is rooted in five key principles: proactive behavioral classroom management, consistency and structure, focus on all students, improved school climate, and support for all teaching staff (Van Otterloo, 2021). 

• Proactive Behavioral Classroom Management: teachers use preventative classroom management practices and reinforce positive behaviors.

• Consistency: behavioral expectations are reinforced and consistent for students to understand.

• Focus on All Students: All students are focused and supported through the three different Tiered levels of support.

• Improve School Climate: PBIS helps foster safe schools and build a positive school culture

• Support Teaching Staff: provides staff with the tools, data, and strategies needed to address and correct negative student behavior. 

Current research supports the effectiveness of PBIS. Chidiac (2024) analyzed its effectiveness in the elementary setting and found that schools that implemented it effectively reduced negative student behaviors and suspensions overall significantly. 

According to research: 

• PBIS must have multi-tiered support to meet and support the needs of all students (Oliver et al., 2021).

• Data Collection: Schools must find effective ways to monitor and collect behavioral data and the effectiveness of the tiered level of support (Chidiac, 2024).

• Positive Reinforcement: Schools must have a positive way to reinforce and reward good behavior (Oliver et al., 2021)

• Collaboration: Schools must collaborate with all educational stakeholders to meet the needs of students and create behavior management strategies (Viac & Fraser, 2020).