Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports in Schools

What is PBIS? 

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based approach to establishing a positive school culture. This framework is designed to promote and encourage positive behaviors, while creating a clear structure for expectations and support to prevent disruptive behaviors, enhance student development, and create a nurturing learning environment for students, teachers, and staff. 

The Importance of PBIS in Schools 

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) can have a positive impact on a school environment, leading to significant benefits for both students and staff. PBIS not only helps improve student behaviors but also fosters a more positive, supportive, and productive atmosphere for learning. Here are some key advantages of PBIS for schools: 

• Enhanced Student Behavior: PBIS promotes a clear and consistent set of expectations that guide students in making positive behavior choices, resulting in fewer disciplinary issues. 
• Boosted Academic Performance: With a focus on reducing disruptions and improving classroom engagement, PBIS helps students stay focused, leading to better academic outcomes. 
• Empowered Teachers and Staff: PBIS provides teachers and staff with tools and strategies to manage behavior proactively, creating a more confident teaching environment and reducing teacher burnout. 
• Cultivated Positive and Inclusive School Culture: PBIS encourages respect, responsibility, and safety, fostering a school culture that is welcoming and nurturing for all students. 
• Reduced Need for Out-of-District Placements: By addressing behavioral challenges early and offering targeted interventions, PBIS helps keep students in their school setting, reducing the need for difficult transitions and costly out-of-district placements. 

The Role of Applied Behavior Analysis in PBIS 

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a widely recognized, evidence-based approach used to improve behaviors and learning outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ABA is highly effective for schools when integrated into PBIS, as it offers goal-focused strategies and data-driven outcomes for addressing both challenging and positive behaviors in students. 

Here’s how ABA enhances PBIS implementation: 

• Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA): ABA therapy focuses on the importance of understanding and addressing the underlying causes of problematic behaviors. Through FBAs, educators can assess what triggers specific behaviors and develop targeted interventions to address them. 
• Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs): Personalized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) are tailored to the unique needs of each student. These plans are designed to reduce disruptive behaviors and encourage positive behaviors through reinforcement and skill-building. 
• Positive Reinforcement: ABA utilizes positive reinforcement to encourage positive behaviors. Students are rewarded for demonstrating positive actions, which reinforces good behavior and motivates them to continue making positive choices inside and outside the classroom. 

By combining PBIS with ABA, schools can implement a comprehensive behavior management approach that provides a clear, structured framework for both academic and behavioral success for children with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

PBIS and Behavior Intervention Services for Schools 

At Surpass Behavioral Health, we specialize in providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, PBIS, and behavior consultation services for public, private, and online charter schools. Our team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Specialists (LBS) and Behavior Technicians/RBTs use proven ABA principles to assist students and school staff in implementing effective behavioral and learning strategies to help achieve educational goals and improve student outcomes.