The core principles guiding Tier 1 PBIS include the understanding that we can and should:

• Effectively teach appropriate SEB skills to all students

• Intervene early before unwanted behaviors escalate

• Use research-based, scientifically validated interventions whenever possible

• Monitor student progress

• Use data to make decisions

Click Here for Tier 1 Resources

Tier 2 supports refers to the practices and systems that enable targeted interventions for students who are not successful with Tier 1 supports alone. The focus at Tier 2 is supporting students who are at risk for developing more serious unwanted behaviors before they start. Essentially, intervention at this level is more targeted than Tier 1 but less intensive than Tier 3. 

Team members also may serve in a coaching role to support implementation of Tier 2 practices among staff. Coaching practices include:

• Understanding and reviewing data

• Encouraging, teaching, prompting, providing practice, and modeling for school personnel

• Communicating with stakeholders

• Distributing information and gathering input

• Organizing and promoting professional learning

Tier 3 practices stem from strong foundations in Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports. With both tiers in place, schools are free to organize individualized teams to support students with more intense needs.

The foundational systems involved in Tier 3 supports are:

• Multidisciplinary Team

• Behavior Support Expertise

• Formal Fidelity and Outcome Data Collection