School Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports

In accordance with the Office of Special Education Programs, School Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) is a decision-making framework that guides selection, integration, and implementation of the best evidence-based academic and behavior practices for improving important academic and behavior outcomes for all students. In general, SWPBIS operates through four integrated elements:

• Data for decision making
• Measurable outcomes supported and evaluated by data
• Practices with evidence that these outcomes are achievable
• Systems that efficiently and effectively support implementation of these practices

SWPBIS schools organize their evidence-based behavioral practices and systems into an integrated collection or continuum in which students experience supports based on their behavioral responses to intervention. A three-tiered prevention logic requires that all students receive supports at the universal or primary tier. If the behavior of some students is not responsive, more intensive behavioral supports are provided, in the form of a group contingency (selected or secondary tier) or a highly individualized plan (intensive or tertiary tier).

Core components of the framework are implemented at the school level, the class level, and the individual level.

The trainings are provided by Statewide Certified Independent School Wide Facilitators. The training consists of core team training, whole school staff training, as well as ongoing consultation by a statewide facilitator. Districts that sign onto SWPBIS are encouraged to join the Pennsylvania Positive Behavior Support Network.

The Pennsylvania Positive Behavior Support Network

The mission of the Pennsylvania Positive Behavior Support (PAPBS) Network, through training and technical assistance, is to support schools and their family and community partners to create and sustain comprehensive, school-based behavioral health support systems in order to promote the academic, social, and emotional well-being of all Pennsylvania’s students. The network’s goal is to ensure that all schools have the necessary technical assistance, collaborative opportunities, and evaluative tools needed to overcome non-academic barriers to learning and achieve competence and confidence in advancing academic, social, and emotional success for all students.