PBIS

Positive Behavior Support Frequently Asked Questions

What is PBIS? Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS or PBS) is a collaborative (team-based), educative, proactive, and functional process to develop effective interventions for inappropriate behavior. How is PBIS a process? PBIS is not a packaged program with a set script. There are critical components that comprise the entire process. The components are individualized and are always changing to meet the specific needs of our school (e.g., population changes, maintain interest, address multiple levels of inappropriate behavior, etc.).

How is PBIS proactive? The team uses discipline data to identify patterns and possible causes of inappropriate behavior. This information is then used to develop effective interventions to decrease inappropriate behavior and increase desired behavior across both grades. The use of yearly, monthly, or more frequent data comparisons helps to prevent the same patterns of inappropriate behavior from reoccurring and assist the core team in adapting the school-wide PBIS plan.

How is PBIS educative? Students in the school come from many different backgrounds and cultures that view “behavior” differently; thus, we cannot assume that students know how to behave appropriately when at school. Furthermore, many of our students are making poor choices when confronted with a conflict. Consequently, we must teach students how to behave at school to ensure that they do make better choices. PBIS views inappropriate behavior in the same manner that problems in reading or math are viewed…as a skill deficit. When a skill deficit exists, we must teach the appropriate skill. By doing so, a unified and positive school climate forms informing students and staff that appropriate behavior is a priority in school.

How is PBIS functional? Students engage in inappropriate behavior to obtain something they want (e.g., attention, getting out of an assignment, etc...) or to get out of or away from something they don’t want; thus, it serves a purpose for them. PBIS uses the function of the inappropriate behavior to identify an appropriate consequence and avoid rewarding the misbehavior.