By Nelson Crane, Director of Student Accountability
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, or PBIS, is a framework schools use to promote positive behavior, create supportive learning environments, and reduce behavioral challenges. Instead of focusing primarily on punishing negative behavior, PBIS emphasizes teaching and reinforcing expectations for all students. It’s about building a culture where positive behaviors are recognized, celebrated, and consistently modeled.
At New Way, students who demonstrate positive behaviors such as being respectful, responsible, or kind are awarded PBIS points by teachers and therapists that can then be cashed in at our school’s Pride Store. Everything from snacks to fidgets and student experiences like VIP Day or Bring Your Dog to School are up for grabs! The most popular experience so far this year has been the Breakfast of Champions where students get to choose a drink and a breakfast item to be delivered to them to start their day. So far this year, our incredible New Way students have been awarded 133,931 points!
Why do schools use PBIS?
Simply put, it works. Research shows that schools implementing PBIS see significant reductions in disciplinary incidents, suspensions, and office referrals. According to a nationwide study by Horner et al. (2010), schools using PBIS reported 25% fewer office discipline referrals compared to schools without the framework. Additionally, PBIS is associated with improved academic outcomes, as students spend more time engaged in learning rather than being removed from the classroom due to behavior issues.
The effectiveness of PBIS lies in its proactive and consistent approach. By clearly defining expectations and teaching them explicitly, students understand what is expected and can succeed. Positive reinforcement through praise, rewards, or recognition strengthens desired behaviors, while data collection allows our staff to monitor trends and respond quickly. We are able to adapt to our students’ needs based on data.
Ultimately, PBIS fosters a safer, more predictable, and inclusive school environment. Students feel supported, staff feel empowered to manage behavior consistently, and learning becomes the primary focus. When behavior expectations are clear, positive behaviors increase, and the school community thrives. PBIS is not just a strategy, it’s a culture shift toward understanding, teaching, and reinforcing the best in every student.
