A Framework for Building Safe and Effective School Environments: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Abstract

Schools throughout the world strive to establish safe and effective learning environments. One consistent challenge is student aggression, acting-out, withdrawal, and insubordination. The historic response to student problem behavior has been punishment and remediation. Recently, more positive, proactive and comprehensive options have emerged. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is one framework that links school-wide prevention efforts with tiered behavior support practices. The present paper summarizes the logic and core features of PBIS, the research literature supporting both the feasibility and effectiveness of PBIS, and lessons learned about implementation of PBIS across more than 26,000 schools in the United States. Discussion focuses on issues associated with cultural adaptation of these practices as PBIS is used outside the U.S., and across an array of social contexts.

Keywords

• positive behavior support
• implementation science
• school discipline
• cultural adaptation