School Improvement through Positive Behavioral Intervention (PBIS) Systems
India White • May 27, 2023
School Improvement through PBIS Systems!
School Improvement Success through PBIS Systems and Support
As a school administrator, creating a positive school environment is essential for student success. It has been said that students are a product of their environment. Positive behavior intervention systems
can help promote a safe and supportive school culture that fosters academic achievement and social-emotional growth. According to a study by the National Center for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, positive behavior systems can improve academic achievement, reduce disciplinary incidents, and promote a positive school culture (Sugai & Horner, 2009). As we look to find success for school improvement, we will explore 10 tips on how to improve the school environment as a school administrator through positive behavior systems.
1. Develop a clear and concise behavior plan:
A behavior plan should outline expectations and goals
for student behavior, consequences for misbehavior, and rewards for positive behavior. Behavior plans should look for restorative actions for all learners and provide a path for students to start fresh after returning back to school from a setback or a mistake. Behavior plans should be discussed with students and agreed upon by the students and leaders so that everyone is on the same page. These behavior plans can provide incentives via classroom systems, i.e. ticket or money system, tokens and etc. When behavior plans are effective, students will show a change of behavior in a positive direction, which will ultimate show growth in their overall academic and social development.
2. Involve all stakeholders:
When developing a behavior plan or a schoolwide PBIS system, teachers, parents, and students should be involved in the development and implementation of the behavior plan to ensure buy-in and support.
Further, there should be moments of accountability and follow-up to ensure that the plan is being implemented with fidelity, and that ineffective parts of the plan can be modified. Holding conversations with faculty can support the implementation of behavior plans. Making phone calls, sending emails, and updating school marquees to update parents and stakeholders can ensure that leaders will remain accountable to stakeholders and that the PBIS system will remain effective throughout the school year.
3. Provide professional development:
District and School building leaders should plan out professional development on positive behavior systems and strategies
for managing student behavior for all teachers they are accounted for. Developing IPDPs in which teachers can use professional development sessions provided by the district or during a PLC/faculty meeting can ensure that there is traceable growth with results as teachers use their information from these professional development sessions with their students.
4. Use data to inform decision-making:
Leaders should be intentional in collecting and analyzing data on student behavior to identify areas of improvement and adjust the PBIS behavior plans as needed.
When looking at assessment data or behavior data, there should be moments throughout each quarter in which leaders can assess and see where the areas of focus are and develop a plan to strengthen these areas. While looking at the data, consider implementing Tiered levels of support via a Tiered PBIS plan, or MTSS/RTI system for academic supports. Having conversation with district leaders for strategies, as well as speaking with seasoned and veteran principals and district leaders can help navigate administrators and teachers towards tangible next steps of success.
5. Celebrate positive behaviors:
Recognize and celebrate students who exhibit positive behavior to reinforce desired behaviors. It is imperative that teachers and educational leaders overemphasize the changes in behavior as students make strides towards academic and behavioral success. Having celebrations or assemblies on school campuses
including donut parties, field day with activities, or a field trip to reward learners can help students feel valued and confirm that their efforts paid off. Making announcements over the intercom to compliment students who have made progress, and visiting classrooms with certificates can help boost the morale of learners as they make gains and their academic and behavioral achievements.
6. Provide consistent consequences:
Consistently enforce consequences for misbehavior to promote accountability and deter future misbehavior. Enforcing consequences does not
always amount to a disciplinary referral, suspension, or expulsion.
Further, when a PBIS system is established effectively, it can result in a decrease in suspensions and disciplinary referrals schoolwide. Further, research and studies conducted by Skinner speak about Operant Conditioning, and how punishment increases aggression, creates fear, and does not always guide towards the desired behavior.
There can be consequences through parent meetings, suspension of rewards on campus, and simple reminders to reinforce positive behavior so that students have a roadmap for returning to success in their actions and academic performance.
7. Use positive reinforcement:
Use positive reinforcement, such as praise and rewards, to encourage positive behavior for all students. Positive reinforcement has been shown to boost the morale and motivation of learners. Further, it helps to build positive relationships between teacher and students. This helps establish trust and motivate learners to use their energy towards excelling in their classes.
8. Foster a sense of community:
Create a sense of community by promoting teamwork, collaboration, and inclusivity. When a sense of community is established, students will feel like they have ownership within that community and that their voice and presence matters. Students will build relationships with their peers, become self-aware and develop healthy responsible decision-making skills in the classroom and while in their community. Further, this can motivate students
to act as a role model to students being promoted into their school, and for students that are younger that may look up to them.
9. Encourage student voice:
Sometimes, the main factor missing towards a student’s success is the empowerment of student voice. Take time to encourage students to provide feedback on the behavior plan and school culture to promote a sense of ownership
and engagement. Students will have a sense of ownership in the schoolwide PBIS system, and will be persuaded that they have influence on the trajectory of the school’s culture. As this transpires, students will evolve into confident students that aspire to not disappoint themselves or their teachers, leaders or stakeholders with behavior that is not conducive for learning.
10. Continuously evaluate and adjust:
Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the behavior plan and adjust as needed to ensure it is meeting the needs of the school community.
As you evaluate and adjust, make sure you keep all stakeholders, parents, and teachers informed, as well as send positive messages during moments of uncertainty. Develop a bond with your administrative team and within your community so that they trust your leadership ability and are convinced that the PBIS system is effective as you turnaround your school’s academic and behavioral climate.
Conclusion
Positive Behavior Intervention Systems (PBIS) have been known to cause success for school leaders when aiming to turn around their school culture. By implementing these 10 tips, school administrators can create a positive school environment that promotes academic success and social-emotional growth. Choose to make a plan towards a schoolwide turnaround in your school culture as you establish effective positive behavior intervention systems and support for all learners.
References:
Sugai, G., & Horner, R. H. (2009). Defining and describing schoolwide positive behavior support. Handbook of Positive Behavior Support, 307-326.
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Dear Educators, Principals, and School Leaders, I’m excited to share that my latest newsletter has just arrived, filled with inspiring updates, resources, and tools to support your teams and students in building a culture of G.R.I.T.—Growth, Resilience, Intentional Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. As you plan your professional development sessions, conferences, or school events for the upcoming year, I’d love to partner with you. Whether it’s a keynote, workshop, or interactive training, I specialize in helping educators and school communities cultivate grit, equity, and empowerment in ways that are practical, engaging, and transformational. If you’re interested in having me speak at your school, district, or conference, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be honored to serve your team. You can also explore my speaking topics and G.R.I.T. resources at: www.india-white.com Let’s connect, collaborate, and inspire greatness—together! Here's the link to my newsletter to share: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF_21LSLwQ/sEqABtI7pY0-Gh5vSzQnLg/edit?utm_content=DAF_21LSLwQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Warmly,
Thank You, Nevada Association of School Administrators: Building a Culture of G.R.I.T. Together I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Adam Lane and the Nevada Association of School Administrators (NASA) for the incredible opportunity to speak at your recent conference. It was truly an honor to engage with such passionate, forward-thinking educational leaders who are committed to transforming schools and communities. During our time together, we explored a theme close to my heart: creating a culture of G.R.I.T.—not just in the classroom, but throughout our communities. We unpacked the G.R.I.T. Framework, which focuses on cultivating Growth Mindset, Resilience, Intentional Self-Efficacy, and Time Management in both educators and students. These four pillars are foundational for student success, especially in today’s challenging and ever-evolving educational landscape. We also discussed the critical role educators and school leaders play in modeling and reinforcing these values. From building trusting relationships to ensuring equity and access, educators are the heartbeat of our communities. When we lead with empathy, authenticity, and grit, we empower students to do the same—and we create schools where every learner feels seen, supported, and capable of greatness. To the school leaders, superintendents, and administrators who attended: thank you for your engagement, your insights, and your commitment to building a legacy of perseverance and purpose. I walked away inspired by your stories, your questions, and your unwavering dedication to improving outcomes for all students across Nevada. If you're interested in learning more about the G.R.I.T. Framework or want to access tools like the G.R.I.T. Workbook, I invite you to visit www.india-white.com/what-does-grit-mean-to-you ] And if you missed the session or want to revisit the message, you can also check out my TEDx Talk: The Power of G.R.I.T. Thank you once again, Adam and NASA, for giving me the platform to share this mission and for all you do to champion student success across Nevada and beyond. Let’s continue lifting others as we climb—one gritty step at a time.