What is PBIS?

School wide research based framework for teaching and supporting positive behavior for all students. It focuses on creating consistent behaviors through all settings, which can promote socially appropriate behaviors and academic success. Promotes the application of positive behaviors through teaching, modeling, practicing, intervening, and rewarding students for appropriate behavior.

PBIS is based on a three-tiered system consisting of Universal (Tier 1), Targeted (Tier 2), and Intensive (Tier 3) supports.

Tier 1 support consists of rules, routines, and physical arrangements that are developed and taught by school staff to prevent initial occurrences of behavior. Tier 1 support, through positive behavior support, works for over 80% of all students in a given school. Tier 1 services include: access to school-wide expectations, access to school currency (Sun Dollars), access to the student store (items purchased with Sun Dollars), communication with parent/guardian (through ClassDojo, phone call, or daily behavior sheet), and access to socioemotional lessons (Ex. how to manage anger, how to communicate effectively, how to compromise, etc).

Tier 2 support is designed to provide intensive or targeted interventions to support students who are not responding to Tier 1 supports. Interventions within Tier 2 are more intensive since a smaller number of students requiring services from within the yellow part of the triangle are at risk for engaging in more serious problem behavior and need extra support. Tier 2 services include: structured check ins throughout the day by school personnel (Check In Check Out), structured breaks (Breaks are Better), small group instruction, and group counseling. Staff and parents/guardians can recommend any student for Tier 2 services by reaching out to the counselor, teacher, or school principal.

Tier 3 supports are designed to help students who are not responding to Tier 1 or 2 services; these students respond more to targeted interventions that are specifically designed for them. These interventions are created by a team of individuals who can provide (a) behavior expertise, (b) administrative knowledge, (c) support from outside the district, (d) detailed knowledge of the student and their areas of concern, and (e) knowledge of the school/district and how it operates. Some Tier 3 services include: Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 Plan, behavior contracts, focus-period Check In Check Out, increased counseling (within the school and through mental health agencies), intensified academic support, and increased communication with family.

Please feel free to reach out to us for more information regarding these services; we would be more than happy to brainstorm with you and help your child succeed!