How can you tell if a school is using PBIS?

Talking with teachers and other school leadership can help you assess how the school is implementing PBIS and the impact it has on students. You can also learn who is responsible for implementing the PBIS initiative. Barbara Kelly, founding member of the California Technical Assistance Center on PBIS, recommends that parents ask to see the school’s data regarding behavior, attendance, and academics to understand how a PBIS initiative is affecting the school’s environment.

Ideally, there will be a school leader for PBIS, or there might be a Climate/Culture Team or Tier One Team. If not, talk to the principal or a school board member about implementing a PBIS initiative or improving the one already in place. If you’re concerned about discipline or intervention at your child’s school, you can share resources from the California PBIS Coalition and the Center on PBIS.

For additional information, see our article Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) 101.