Positive Behavioral Interventions Research Articles

Best Practice PBIS Implementation

This study presents empirical data on the best practice implementation of the Positive BehaviorInterventions and Supports (PBIS) Champion Modeling schools at each of the three tiers of implementation. The purpose of this study was to identify PBIS best practices evidence indicators for each of the tiers. The design included a review of evidence indicators from a cohort of schools (N = 117) that participated in a three-year PBIS Champion Model workshop series during the 2016-2019 school years and met model criteria for implementation based on the PBIS ChampionModel Framework. Evidence indicators were collected and analyzed from schools that met the requirements of each implementation level. While some met the requirements of all three levels, others met those of two, one, or none. Of the 117 schools in the cohort, 113schools met the Tier 1 level (Bronze) requirement, 94met the Tier 2 level (Silver) requirement, and 86 met the Tier 3 level (Gold) requirement. The findings indicate a variety of evidence indicators in each tier of the PBIS Champion Model Framework (i.e., processes, protocols, training, communication structures) that aligns with Deming’s Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA)cycle for quality implementation. This study presents a practical resource that can guide successful systemic implementation of PBIS in each tier and can support student academic learning and behavior in those schools.

Quantifying the Relationships between Everyday Objects and Emotional States through Deep Learning Based Image Analysis Using Smartphones

There has been an increasing interest in the problem of inferring emotional states of individuals using sensor and user-generated information as diverse as GPS traces, social media data and smartphone interaction patterns. One aspect that has received little attention is the use of visual context information extracted from the surroundings of individuals and how they relate to it. In this paper, we present an observational study of the relationships between the emotional states of individuals and objects present in their visual environment automatically extracted from smartphone images using deep learning techniques. We developed MyMood, a smartphone application that allows users to periodically log their emotional state together with pictures from their everyday lives, while passively gathering sensor measurements. We conducted an in-the-wild study with 22 participants and collected 3,305 mood reports with photos. Our findings show context-dependent associations between objects surrounding individuals and self-reported emotional state intensities. The applications of this work are potentially many, from the design of interior and outdoor spaces to the development of intelligent applications for positive behavioral intervention, and more generally for supporting computational psychology studies.

Impact of CW-FIT on Student and Teacher Behavior in a Middle School

Positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) improve student behavior. Yet, teachers may not receive adequate training to implement PBIS at the classroom level. This study evaluated class-wide function-related intervention teams (CW-FIT) as a classroom-level behavior management system to determine whether the behavior of middle school students would improve with teacher implementation of CW-FIT. A multiple-baseline across conditions design was used to evaluate changes in on-task behavior of adolescent students in sixth and seventh grade from a socioeconomically and ethnically diverse middle school. In addition, the effects on teacher behavior-specific praise statements and teacher reprimands were assessed. Consistent with previous evaluations of CW-FIT, findings indicated a functional relation between the intervention and increases in on-task student behavior. In addition, the findings also showed improvements to teacher behavior with increases in behavior-specific praise statements; however, no effect was observed with teacher reprimands. Social validity measures indicated students and teachers found the intervention favorable. Implications, limitations, and areas for future inquiry are discussed.

FW-PBIS Framework Implementation and Facility Climate Perspectives Through the Lens of Youth in Secure Juvenile Facilities: A Pilot Study

A shift from reactive and punitive practices in secure juvenile facilities has prompted facilities in the United States to adopt multitiered systems of support such as facility-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (FW-PBIS) to address climate and culture concerns. To date, most implementation efforts have focused on defining adult behaviors and systems. There is limited understanding of the role of youth voice related to adoption and implementation of the advocated practices. This pilot study sought to understand youth perspectives of FW-PBIS implementation as viewed through the lens of facility/organizational climate assessment. We piloted a facility climate survey for use in juvenile facilities and conducted focus group sessions to capture youth voice. Facilitator and barrier themes related to facility climate with FW-PBIS implementation were identified. Implications for practice, as well as limitations and future directions for research, are discussed.

Using the PBIS Framework to Meet the Mental Health Needs of Youth in Juvenile Justice Facilities

Youth in juvenile justice facilities may experience symptoms of mental health disorders and trauma at a higher rate than their normative peers. As a result, juvenile justice facilities have become de facto mental health agencies, resulting in an increased need to provide interventions that can meet the various needs of their residents. Embedding mental health and trauma-informed care into tiered facility-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (FW-PBIS) is an emerging practice to meet a multitude of youth mental health symptoms. In this article, we provide examples of how mental health and trauma-informed care can be interwoven into an FW-PBIS framework by using a data-based decision-making process to guide the implementation of tiered evidence-based interventions, and we offer implications for practice and research.

Funding PBIS Implementation Through ESSA Title IV, Part A Funds

School-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is an approach for establishing the systems needed to implement and sustain evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes. When implemented with fidelity, PBIS has been shown to reduce unwanted behaviors, reduce bullying, increase academic achievement, and improve perceptions of school safety. Because of its effectiveness, many administrators and educators at the state and local level seek multiple ways to fund PBIS implementation efforts. One potential source of federal funding includes Title IV, Part A funds from the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA). A 2018 survey on how districts planned to use their Title IV, Part A funds found that 63% said they planned to use a portion of their allotment on making students safer. When asked how they planned to use their Title IV, Part A funds to improve student health and safety, 61% of districts reported they planned to spend them on PBIS. To assist interested State Educational Agencies (SEAs) and Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), this document provides background details on ESSA and answers common questions about its use to fund PBIS.

Teacher and Student Interactions in School Common Areas: An Examination of Typical Rates of Supervision, Engagement, and Feedback

ABSTRACT Much attention has been paid to the role of effective instruction in classroom settings and there is compelling evidence that teacher clarity, student engagement, feedback, and active supervision are keys to student success. In positive behavior interventions and support (PBIS) schools, these principles are applied school-wide with students receiving supervision, engagement, and feedback regarding behavior in all areas of the school. As an assessment of typical interactions in common areas, trained coders observed school personnel across elementary through high school levels as they were stationed in hallway and cafeteria settings. Results show very low rates of engagement and feedback but relatively high rates of active supervision. These data are described in detail, compared to published rates of similar behaviors in the classroom, and discussed in terms of strategies for increasing effective instructional practices across all areas of the school.

Policies and Practices Supporting Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Implementation in High-poverty Florida Middle Schools

ABSTRACT The current study provides foundational research on the extent to which Florida Title 1 middle schools (schools including grades 7 and/or 8) have policies and practices that align with core components of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS). Principals from 197 (42.73%) of all FL Title 1 schools that included at least grades seven and/or eight responded to a survey that focused on the existence and characteristics of: (1) a continuum of evidence-based interventions; (2) leadership team implementation and coordination; (3) content expertise and fluency; (4) process integrity; (5) continuous progress monitoring; and (6) crisis intervention. Results based on an analytic sample of 36.69% of schools indicate that, while schools predominantly identify using a PBIS framework to guide behavioral policies and practices, important features are lacking that would indicate a comprehensive, coordinated implementation approach. The use of multi-tiered programs and supports, planning for continuous improvement and training, and assessment of fidelity and ecological validity of selected practices in high-poverty schools are issues requiring a greater understanding and implementation support. Additional results, as well as recommendations for research and practice are provided.

Using Evidence Informed Strategies to Adapt Tier 2 Interventions

Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports (PBIS) is a preventative and responsive three-tiered framework comprised of a continuum of evidence-based practices and interventions. Adaptation, or tailoring is a critical component to the PBIS system, as it is not intended to be a standard treatment protocol, particularly at the Tier 2 level. Tier 2 interventions require fidelity to core ingredients that make the intervention effective but issues still arise concerning the targeted intervention’s implementation, student response, intensity need, and social validity that inform the tailoring of interventions at Tier 2. Currently, there is no clear protocol for adapting Tier 2 intervention. The purpose of this paper is guide implementers with the adaptation process by providing descriptions and examples of possible intervention adaptations based on (1) student characteristics, (2) intervention characteristics, and (3) setting characteristics.

An Evaluation of Adaptations Made to Tier 2 Social Skill Training Programs

Within a three-tiered intervention framework, such as School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, Tier 2 interventions were initially conceived as employing a standard protocol across all at-risk students. Research and practice, however, suggests advantages to adapting interventions so they are tailored to individual student needs. In this literature review, we examined adaptations to social skills training (SST). We identified 19 studies that implemented SST within a tiered framework, eight of which made adaptations. Across the studies, nine different types of adaptations were made. All studies made multiple simultaneous adaptations with the 156 participants, which resulted in uniformly favorable outcomes. Most studies made adaptations at the study onset and the rationale for making the adaptations varied. Studies varied in the number of Quality Indicators present. This review indicates that adaptations may improve the effectiveness of Tier 2 interventions; however, additional research is needed to provide further evidence of the effectiveness of individual adaptations and to identifying procedures for selecting adaptations matched to student need.

Implementing Facility-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports in Secure Juvenile Correction Settings: Results of an Evaluation Study

In this study, we assessed the feasibility and social validity of an adapted approach to positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) implementation in secure juvenile facilities. The authors developed a comprehensive model of facility-wide positive behavior interventions and supports (FW-PBIS) for use in secure juvenile correctional facilities, both detention and long term, as well as state and privately run. FW-PBIS leadership team members that included all major facility roles (education, corrections, mental health, medical, recreation) participated in staff development activities and implemented the advocated approaches over the course of the study. We assessed the fidelity, feasibility, and social validity of FW-PBIS in a repeated-measures evaluation study across 50 secure juvenile facilities. We collected intervention fidelity data using a version of the School-Wide Evaluation Tool modified to reflect the unique features of secure juvenile facilities. We also gathered behavioral incident data from the facilities, but it was not possible to combine these data across sites due to the vast differences in data collection, definitions/classifications, and storage systems from state to state. Results indicated that all participating facilities were able to achieve acceptable FW-PBIS implementation fidelity. Staff rated the intervention as acceptable, feasible, and were willing to implement FW-PBIS practices. Staff members also reported gains in sense of efficacy in their roles. Results are discussed in terms of limitations of the current study, future research, and practice needs.

Staff and Youth Buy-In Ideas for Initial and Sustainable Facility-Wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports Implementation Within Residential and Juvenile Facilities

The positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) framework is a well-researched framework used to teach, model, and reinforce positive behavior in schools across the country. Many residential and juvenile facilities have adopted the PBIS framework to fit a 24/7 delivery model spanning facility environments and activities (known as facility-wide PBIS [FW-PBIS]); this implementation is still in its early stages. While many FW-PBIS leadership teams report improved outcomes when implementing FW-PBIS, many continue to struggle to gain initial buy-in from youth and staff as well as sustain buy-in after initial implementation. We offer suggestions from the field to promote buy-in from key stakeholders within residential and juvenile settings.

Variables Contributing to Abandonment and Readoption of SWPBIS

There is a dearth of research examining school and district factors associated with the abandonment of evidence-based practice in schools. In this mixed methods study, we surveyed 23 school personnel working with 30 schools that abandoned and then readopted school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS). Our aims were to identify critical features abandoned and perceived reasons for abandonment and readoption of SWPBIS practices. SWPBIS features most often abandoned included data-based decision making and school-wide acknowledgment systems. Lack of staff buy-in was the most commonly reported reason for abandonment, and a new school administrator was the most commonly reported reason for readoption. Implications for research and how schools could safeguard against abandonment of evidence-based practices are discussed.

Updating and expanding systematic reviews and meta‐analyses on the effects of school‐wide positive behavior interventions and supports

AbstractSchool‐wide positive behavior interventions and supports (SWPBIS) is a multitiered support framework for preventing problem behaviors and increasing prosocial behaviors. There has been an increasing number of experimental group design research studies focused on the impacts of SWPBIS. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to update and extend prior reviews by including both published and unpublished studies and conducting a robust variance estimation meta‐analysis to examine the magnitude of the effect of SWPBIS on all available school‐level outcomes. A total of 29 studies were identified across the United States and Europe, including seven randomized controlled trials and 22 quasi‐experimental group design studies. Overall, statistically significant reductions in school discipline and increased academic achievement were found. Effect sizes were small to medium. Limitations and implications are discussed.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: Factors that Influence Teacher Buy-in

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: Factors that Influence Teacher Buy-in

Analysis of Secondary School Special Education Teachers' Perceptions on Applying School-Wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Support System

Analysis of Secondary School Special Education Teachers' Perceptions on Applying School-Wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Support System

Starting a PBIS program in an inpatient setting

Evidence suggests that implementing the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework and its recommended strategies can improve not only behaviors in children, but also an organization's culture (Horner et al., 2009). PBIS is both a behavioral intervention and organizational model aimed at creating safer and more positive environments for children and those who support them. PBIS and its recommended strategies have been found to increase the frequency of children's positive, prosocial behaviors, while decreasing negative behaviors and the disciplinary actions typically used to address them (Horner et al., 2009).

학교 차원의 긍정적 행동중재 효과의 지속 가능성 검토

학교 차원의 긍정적 행동중재 효과의 지속 가능성 검토

The Effect of School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports on Disciplinary Exclusions: A Conceptual Replication

Disciplinary exclusions, particularly out-of-school suspension and expulsions, are a pressing concern for schools, as research demonstrates that they are associated with myriad deleterious outcomes such as increased risk for poor academic achievement, school dropout, and contact with juvenile justice. Research suggests that School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS), a prevention and intervention framework for addressing school-based problem behavior, can have a significant and meaningful impact on reducing the likelihood of student suspensions and expulsions. In this study, we conceptually replicated a series of previous studies conducted in other states and examined the effect of universal SWPBIS on disciplinary exclusions in California. Using propensity score matching, we examine differences in suspension and expulsion rates for 98 schools implementing universal SWPBIS with fidelity and 98 comparison schools not implementing SWPBIS. Results suggest that schools implementing SWPBIS with fidelity have significantly fewer suspensions. No effects were found for expulsions. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Are We Spinning Our Wheels? The Impact of PBIS, Counseling, and Mentoring on the Behavior and Achievement of Elementary Age African American Males

The gap in educational achievement between African American males and their peers plays a key role in one of the most substantial problems facing American society (Burchinal, McCartney, Steinberg, Crosnoe, Friedman, McLoyd, & Picanta, 2011). However, the challenges faced by those working to narrow the achievement gap between African American males and their counterparts continue to persist. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS), counseling, and mentoring on disruptive classroom behavior among African American males. The researchers also examined whether Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS), counseling, and mentoring had an impact on reading scores of African-American male students in Pre-K through fifth grade. Prior studies in this area indicated that participation in PBIS was not a significant predictor of the number of disruptive behaviors that resulted in office referrals received by African American male students in Pre-K through fifth grade. Findings in this study seemed to be consistent with those studies. However, researchers did find participation in counseling to be a significant predictor of disruptive behaviors among African American male students in Pre-K through fifth grade.