What's the Function of the DSFI?

DSFI: District System Fidelity Inventory

What’s the Function - Short Answer: A roadmap to sustaining PBIS/MTSS.

What’s the Function - Longer Answer: The purpose of the District Systems Fidelity Inventory (DSFI) is to guide District Leadership Teams in the assessment, development, and execution of action plans that promote the capacity for sustainable, culturally and contextually relevant, and high-fidelity implementation of multi-tiered social, emotional, and behavioral systems of support and practices. The DSFI and process have been designed to serve as a guide for initial action planning, progress monitoring and annual evaluation of fidelity of implementation and impact. (Center on PBIS, January 2023. PBIS District Systems Fidelity Inventory (DSFI). University of Oregon. pbis.org)

Sustaining Systems Thinking

Implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in school districts is essential for creating positive school environments and supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of students. Using evidence-based roadmaps like the District System Fidelity Inventory (DSFI) can significantly enhance the sustainability of PBIS/MTSS systems.

“The DSFI is an efficient instrument that can be used to guide districts exploring or actively implementing PBIS/MTSS systems ”
— PBIS.org

Critical Reasons Why School Districts Use the DSFI

  • Systematic Implementation: DSFI provides a structured and systematic approach to implementing PBIS/MTSS systems. It guides districts through the necessary steps, ensuring that each component is implemented effectively and cohesively.

  • Quality Assurance: DSFI serves as a quality assurance tool, helping districts monitor the fidelity of their PBIS/MTSS implementation. By ensuring fidelity, districts can be confident that the interventions and supports provided to students are evidence-based and effective.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: DSFI emphasizes the importance of collecting and analyzing data to inform decision-making. Evidence-based decision making is crucial for identifying areas of improvement, addressing challenges, and scaling successful interventions.

  • Sustainability: Using an evidence-based roadmap like DSFI ensures sustainability by providing districts with a clear, evidence-based framework that can be continuously refined and adapted to meet the evolving needs of students and staff.

  • Professional Development: DSFI often includes training and professional development components for educators and staff. Proper training ensures that school personnel understand the core principles of PBIS/MTSS and can effectively implement evidence-based practices in the classroom.

  • Fidelity Monitoring: DSFI includes fidelity monitoring tools that allow districts to assess the extent to which PBIS/MTSS practices are being implemented as intended. Regular monitoring helps identify deviations from the model and enables districts to take corrective actions promptly.

  • Resource Allocation: DSFI helps districts allocate resources effectively by identifying areas that require additional support or intervention. This ensures that resources are directed toward evidence-based practices that have the most significant impact on student outcomes.

  • Continuous Improvement: An evidence-based roadmap like DSFI promotes a culture of continuous improvement within school districts. By regularly assessing fidelity and outcomes, districts can make informed adjustments, refine their strategies, and enhance the overall effectiveness of their PBIS/MTSS systems.

  • Alignment with Research: DSFI is typically grounded in research and best practices. By aligning with established research, school districts can be confident that they are implementing interventions and strategies that have a strong empirical basis, increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes for students.

  • Accountability: DSFI holds districts accountable for the implementation of PBIS/MTSS. By adhering to an evidence-based roadmap, districts can demonstrate their commitment to evidence-based practices, ensuring accountability to students, parents, and the broader community.

KOI Can Help

Need a guide to help choose who should be on your District Leadership Team to complete the DSFI?

Want a hand facilitating your team meeting to navigate the 53 items and 9 features of the DSFI?

KOI Education is an internationally recognized expert in PBIS/MTSS. In addition to publishing books and curriculum on Tier 1/2/3 implementing, we also offer trainer-of-trainer events. Recently KOI lead a DSFI panel at the International APBS Conference with the co-director of the Center for PBIS, and a panel session at the BET-C Conference with school superintendents and directors to share their perspective and lessons learned about sustaining PBIS/MTSS over time and across schools.

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