Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) is a systemic approach to proactive, school-wide behavior within an equitable multi-level system of supports framework. PBIS integrates all the data, systems, and practices affecting student outcomes every day. It is a way to support everyone--especially students with disabilities--to create the kind of schools where all students are successful. When combined with an academic response to the intervention process, districts and schools operationalize a complete and integrated system of supports for all learners.
PBIS applies evidence-based practices and strategies for all students to increase academic performance, improve safety, decrease problem behavior, and establish a positive school culture. PBIS is not a curriculum you purchase or something you learn during a one-day professional development training. It is a commitment to addressing student behavior through systems change. When implemented well students achieve improved social and academic outcomes, schools experience reduced exclusionary discipline practices, and school personnel feel more effective (National PBIS Technical Assistance Center).
Schools implementing PBIS build on existing strengths, complementing and organizing current programming and strategies. PBIS has been successfully implemented in thousands of schools in over 40 states, resulting in dramatic reductions in disciplinary interventions and increases in academic achievement. Data-based decision making is a hallmark of PBIS, allowing successes to be easily shared with all relevant stakeholders.
Wisconsin RTI Center
The Wisconsin RtI Center which houses Wisconsin’s PBIS Network (www.wisconsinrticenter.org) is a collaborative project between DPI and the 12 CESA agencies to provide high quality PBIS professional development and technical assistance regionally throughout Wisconsin. The Wisconsin PBIS Network helps Wisconsin schools implement and sustain an equitable multi-level system of supports to ensure behavioral and academic needs of ALL students are met. For more information on PBIS in Wisconsin, please visit the Wisconsin RtI Center website.
National PBIS Resources
- U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, https://www.pbis.org/
- Midwest PBIS Network, http://www.midwestpbis.org/
- Florida’s Positive Behavior Support Project, http://flpbis.cbcs.usf.edu/
- Northwest Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Network, https://pbisnetwork.org/
- PBISapps, https://www.pbisapps.org/Pages/Default.aspx