PBIS
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
PBIS is a schoolwide, tiered framework for behavior support grounded in applied behavior analysis that teaches and reinforces clear behavioral expectations, collects discipline data to guide decisions, and layers targeted (Tier 2) and intensive individualized (Tier 3) supports. The 4-year cluster RCT by Bradshaw, Waasdorp & Leaf (2015, J Educational Psychology 107(2):546-557; 37 schools, N=12,344) produced an office-discipline-referral effect size d=0.86 and is rated "Meets WWC Standards Without Reservations."
Regulatory Citation
Example in Practice
A middle school posts three schoolwide expectations ("Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible"), teaches them explicitly in every setting, and tracks office referrals in a data dashboard. Students receiving two or more referrals trigger a Tier 2 Check-In/Check-Out protocol.
Key Research Citations
- ·Bradshaw, Waasdorp & Leaf (2015, J Educational Psychology 107(2):546-557) — SW-PBIS cluster RCT
- ·Kittelman et al. (2025, Exceptional Children 91(2)) — Sustained Tier 2/3 implementation
- ·Drevon, Hixson, Wyse & Rigney (2019, Psychology in the Schools 56(3):393-412) — CICO meta-analysis, Tau-U=0.82
Full bibliography available on the Research page.
This glossary entry is educational. It is not legal or clinical advice. Consult a qualified attorney or licensed clinician before making decisions that rely on this summary.