What is PBIS?

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) or Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a systematic approach to ensuring that all students receive the behavioral and social emotional support to succeed in school. All students receive a little (Tier 1 or school-wide support), some need more (Tier 2 or targeted support groups), and a few need a lot (Tier 3 or individualized support).

How does it work?

PBIS is a school-wide system to improve school climate, culture and safety by ensuring that all students receive the support they need. It uses behavior data to make decisions about which supports are working for the whole school as well as for individual students and which supports are not working. It’s not about posters or prizes, not about rewards or extrinsic motivation, and not about discipline and consequences. Instead, students are: 1) Taught the Expectations that align with the values of your school community, 2) Acknowledged when they meet school  expectations, 3) Held accountable consistently, predictably and equitably when they do not meet school expectations. Students who consistently violate school expectations, receive Tier 2 and/or Tier 3 support to help them succeed in your school and community. 

Why is PBIS Needed?

School safety is the primary concern of parents and educators. A positive school climate ensures a focus on teaching and learning. When students like their school and feel that discipline is equitable and fair, they achieve more. However, millions of students are suspended and expelled across the nation each year, proving that old fashioned discipline simply doesn’t work. If discipline and suspension are deterrents to bad behavior, problem behaviors would stop - but they don’t and the same students are disciplined again and again and again. PBIS breaks the discipline cycle and creates a more positive and effective learning environment for all. 

What are PBIS Outcomes?

PBIS is currently implemented in over 29,000 schools and has been part of federal education law since 1997 when IDEA noted that “For children whose behavior impacts their learning or the learning of others, schools must implement PBIS”. PBIS/MTSS is endorsed repeatedly in IDEA and ESSA legislation. Thousands of studies have demonstrated measurable outcomes including:

• Decreased classroom disruptions and office discipline referrals

• Increased academic achievement and performance

• Improved school climate and safety 

Introduction to PBIS

Our experts have been providing PBIS training and support since 1999. Our curriculum aligns with the National Technical Assistance Center on PBIS and criteria set forth in their Blueprint for PBIS. We use research-based fidelity assessments and follow high-quality professional development standards.

District-wide sustainability is critical so that schools can maintain their PBIS system after initial training. Our PBIS Training Academy model ensures that Professional Learning is not a train-and-hope event but embedded across the school year and involves all of your stakeholders.

PBIS Curriculum

Our custom curriculum, including our print and interactive digital textbooks, provide a Personalized Professional Learning experience by utilizing our KOI IQ model. This follows the classic Madeline Hunter lesson plan design format that all educators are familiar with but is aligned for adult learners in the 21st century.