What is PBIS?

PBIS is a comprehensive, 3-tiered approach to implementing positive and consistent student discipline systems in schools and preschools. Unlike other approaches to student discipline, PBIS encourages a positive climate schoolwide, in all locations and for all students, by focusing systematically on

1. the general school population (universal or schoolwide PBIS),
2. students at risk (targeted or secondary PBIS) and
3. students with intensive or chronic behavioral and emotional problems (intensive or tertiary PBIS)

PBIS also recognizes that student discipline systems, including the definitions of and responses to problem behavior, need to be consistent across classroom and non-classroom settings; thus, PBIS complements and extends the approach used in other programs such as Responsive Classroom.

Implementing a full 3-tiered PBIS system in a school typically takes approximately three years and involves training, on-site consulting and technical assistance and consistent meeting and planning time for a PBIS leadership team.

Although the most significant and durable changes in school process and culture occur with a comprehensive, three-tiered approach, NH CEBIS does offer ala carte workshops and individualized approaches for schools and districts wishing to improve a particular aspect of their approach to problem behavior and positive school culture.

For more information, please contact Becky Berk.

About PBIS FAQ

• Why Focus on Behavior?

  Poor behavior in schools can be costly:

  • Lost teaching time
  • Property damage
  • Disrespect, discouragement, frustration
  • Low student / staff morale
  • Lower academic outcomes
  • Division between school and parents

  Addressing behavioral issues and improving school climate should form the core of any school improvement plan.

• What are the Goals of PBIS?

  The goals of PBIS provide the foundation for a good education:

  • Regain the teaching time currently spent in managing misbehavior
  • Maximize on-task time and academic achievement for all students
  • Increase positive and civil social behavior
  • Increase family engagement in schools
  • Improve school climate for students and adults

  Long-term outcomes include:

  • Enduring, positive changes in behavior
  • Reduction in the need for serious disciplinary measures such as suspension and expulsion
  • Increase in graduation rates and
  • Improvement of post-high school outcomes for all students, including those with challenging behavior and educational disabilities
• Why is PBIS a better approach to discipline?

  Typical discipline systems in schools have been based on reaction to negative behavior and punishment of the offender. Hundreds of studies have shown, however, that this approach does little to reduce chronic misbehavior, nor does it produce positive long-term outcomes for school or student. The PBIS method of school discipline is different in four keys ways:

  Prevention
  Correct behaviors are established, taught, modeled, and acknowledged in a systematic way throughout the school. Students are “caught” engaging in desired behavior and this behavior is regularly reinforced and recognized.

  Response The response to undesirable behavior is organized, systematic, consistent and careful. Considerable thought and effort goes into getting the entire school community on the same page with respect to common definitions of, and the most effective response to, problem behaviors.

  Data-driven Discipline data is collected school-wide in a user-friendly format. When this information is entered and analyzed in an established on-line database, the data provides guidance for understanding when and where problem behavior is more likely to occur. Strategies to address behaviors in these situations are developed, and the data then provides evidence for whether the strategies are working.

  Process PBIS is not a curriculum or a pre-packaged program. Rather, it is a framework that guides the school community through a process of addressing the unique culture, climate and behavioral issues within each school. The idea is to work smarter, not harder, to improve behavior and school climate.

Outcome Data and Summary Reports