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PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)

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PBIS is a schoolwide, tiered framework for teaching and reinforcing positive behavior and using data to support students who need more.

Topic: Behavior and FBA/BIP

In plain terms

At Tier 1, the whole school teaches a few clear expectations and acknowledges students who meet them. At Tier 2, small groups get extra support, such as check-in/check-out. At Tier 3, individual students get FBA-based plans. Decisions are guided by data such as office referrals and attendance.

How it shows up in an IEP

IDEA requires IEP teams to consider positive behavioral interventions and supports for students whose behavior impedes learning. A student with an IEP takes part in schoolwide PBIS and may also have individual supports in a BIP.

Example

A school teaches three expectations: be safe, be kind, be ready. A student with an IEP earns the same acknowledgments as peers and also has a BIP for recess transitions.

The rule

Federal reference: 34 CFR §300.324(a)(2)(i).

Related terms

  • MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports)MTSS is a schoolwide framework that uses data to give every student the right level of academic, behavioral and social-emotional support.
  • Check-in/check-outCheck-in/check-out is a Tier 2 behavior support in which a student meets an adult each morning and afternoon and gets feedback on a daily point card.
  • BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan)A BIP is a written plan, based on an FBA, that describes how staff will prevent a behavior, teach a replacement skill and respond when the behavior happens.
  • ReinforcementReinforcement is any consequence that makes a behavior more likely to happen again, such as praise, a preferred activity or a break.
  • Special factorsSpecial factors are five issues the IEP team must consider for every student: behavior, English learning, braille, communication and assistive technology.

On IEP Atlas

This page describes special education terms and federal rules in general terms and is not legal advice. Our editorial policy explains how IEP Atlas writes and reviews content. Browse all 244 terms.