How to Use PBIS Tier I and II in Your Classroom

Overview of PBIS

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, school-wide framework designed to promote positive behavior and prevent negative behavior. Research has shown that PBIS is an effective approach to improving behavior and learning outcomes in schools. Studies have found that schools that implement PBIS have fewer disciplinary incidents, increased academic achievement, and improved school climate and culture.

PBIS has also been shown to be effective in reducing racial and ethnic disparities in discipline. It also improves outcomes for students with disabilities. PBIS is a proactive and comprehensive approach to behavior management that aims to create a positive school culture and reduce problem behavior by teaching, modeling, and reinforcing positive behaviors.

Three Tiers of Support

PBIS involves a multi-tiered system of support that provides interventions at different levels. These levels depend on the intensity of the student’s behavior. The three tiers of PBIS include universal, targeted, and intensive supports. Universal supports are designed for all students and aim to prevent problem behaviors by teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors. Teachers provide targeted supports to students who are at risk of developing problem behavior. The intensive supports are provided to students who have persistent and severe behavior problems.

The PBIS framework is based on four key principles: (1) prevention, (2) positive behavior support, (3) data-based decision making, and (4) continuous monitoring and evaluation. Prevention is the foundation of PBIS and involves creating a positive and supportive learning environment. This is done through proactive strategies such as classroom rules, routines, and procedures, and positive teacher-student relationships.

Positive behavior support involves reinforcing positive behaviors and teaching students the social and emotional skills they need to succeed in school and life. Teachers use data-based decision making to guide decisions about student support and intervention. Then, teachers engage in continuous monitoring and evaluation of the process. This involves regularly assessing the effectiveness of the PBIS program and making adjustments as needed.

Using PBIS

Here are some ways to implement tier I and II PBIS supports in an elementary classroom:

Tier I (Universal):

1. Teach and model behavior expectations. Teach and model the positive behavior you expect from your students, such as being respectful, responsible, and safe.
2. Provide positive feedback. Recognize and praise students who exhibit positive behavior in the classroom.
3. Create a classroom-wide reward system. Develop a system to reward good behavior and create a positive classroom environment. For example, a classroom economy system where students earn “money” for good behavior and can use it to buy privileges or rewards.
4. Establish a daily routine. Create a consistent daily routine, so students know what to expect throughout the day.
5. Use visual cues. Use visual aids, such as posters or anchor charts, to remind students of the behavior expectations.

Tier II (Targeted):

1. Identify students who need extra support. Identify students who are struggling to meet the behavior expectations and provide additional support.
2. Use small-group interventions. Create small groups of students who need additional support and teach specific social skills or targeted behavior interventions.
3. Use a Check-In/Check-Out system. Implement a check-in/check-out system where students meet with a teacher or mentor at the beginning and end of the day to set behavior goals and receive feedback.
4. Use a daily behavior tracking sheet. Use a daily behavior tracking sheet to record and track student behavior, providing data to guide interventions and progress monitoring.
5. Use incentives. Use incentives such as extra time playing games, drawing, or other activities as a reward for meeting behavioral expectations.

Benefits in the Classroom

PBIS has been shown to have a number of benefits in the classroom. First and foremost, PBIS helps to create a positive school culture and climate that supports student learning and well-being. By focusing on prevention and positive behavior support, PBIS helps to reduce problem behavior and increase student engagement and academic achievement. In addition, PBIS improves teacher morale and job satisfaction by providing a clear framework for behavior management and support. PBIS also increases parent involvement and support by providing opportunities for parents to be involved in behavior management and support.

Overall, PBIS is a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to improving behavior and learning outcomes in schools. By focusing on prevention, positive behavior support, data-based decision making, and continuous monitoring and evaluation, PBIS helps to create a positive school culture and climate that supports student learning and well-being.