What are Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports programs?

In a school setting, PBIS is an evidence-based practice for reinforcing students' good behavior. PBIS involves establishing expectations for students, teaching students what those expectations are, and rewarding them when they meet those expectations to build a positive reinforcement system. Because students benefit from consistency, PBIS is implemented throughout an entire school rather than in only one classroom. In practice, this often looks like a school choosing three to five values — such as respect, responsibility, and hard work — and rewarding students when their behavior aligns with those values. The goal is to focus on positive reinforcement and prevent undesirable behaviors instead of relying on punishing students who act out. Research shows that this approach helps improve social, emotional, and academic outcomes for all students, including students with disabilities and students from underrepresented groups.

First developed by researchers from the University of Oregon, PBIS has been endorsed by the US Department of Education as an evidence-based program. In studies, it has been shown to:

• Reduce bullying behaviors;

• Reduce expulsion;

• Reduce restraint and seclusion;

• Increase social and academic performance for students with disabilities.

Although PBIS has its roots in programs developed to address behavior disorders (it is mentioned in IDEA and supported in the Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015), it’s not only for students with disabilities.

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