What is Universal, or Schoolwide, PBIS?

Universal PBIS establishes systems, practices and the use of data to prevent problem behavior and to respond effectively to it when it does occur.

Universal PBIS establishes the expectations, for all students and adults, for behavior in every location in the school, including the classroom, hallway, bathrooms, cafeteria, recess (if applicable), field trip and on the bus. These expectations are clear and behaviorally obvious (students and adults are able to recognize specific behaviors as following, or not following, the expectations.)

The expectations are systematically taught and demonstrated on a schedule developed by the leadership team and largely dependent on school data, both objective and anecdotal, that suggest which potential or problem behaviors need to be addressed as priorities.

Students are frequently recognized and appreciated, often when they least expect it, for following the expectations- they are "caught doing the right thing" as part of a schoolwide recognition system.

When problem behavior does occur, PBIS supports agreement within the school about what constitutes a minor (managed in the classroom) versus a major (managed in the office) behavior, and there is a clear set of definitions and processes for these situations so that the school environment becomes a calmer, more predictable and more consistent place to be for students and adults alike.

Data is entered and reviewed regularly to help identify and target schoolwide trends in behavior issues, to help the PBIS leadership team determine next steps and to identify students who are not responding to the universal implementation and may need more direct support. These students may be referred to the Targeted level of PBIS.

General Resources for UT

2007 Universal PBIS Manual