Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based model that provides a schoolwide systematic approach to preventing and improving problem behaviors and creating a positive school climate. PBIS implementation requires a careful balance of fidelity and adaptation. Its messages may be tailored for individual schools, different age groups, and different settings within the school. The adaptability of PBIS also allows for innovation.

This Snapshot features how seven Safe Schools/Healthy Students (SS/HS) sites have modified PBIS to meet the needs of their students in unique and innovative ways such as in alternative high schools and by integrating PBIS into other initiatives such as alcohol and other drug prevention and social-emotional learning programs.

Building on SS/HS partnerships, grantees implementing PBIS have trained parents and youth-serving professionals to reinforce PBIS messages with students outside of school. Partnerships between schools and other community organizations can also bolster PBIS by providing wraparound services for youth in need.

These sites featured in this report were funded in the 2007, 2008, and 2009 fiscal year (FY) cohorts.

Download a copy of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: Snapshots from Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiatives (PDF, 1.48 MB) from the National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention.