School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports Research Articles

Can Policy Promote Adoption or Outcomes of Evidence-based Prevention Programming?: a Case Illustration of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.

This study examined the impact of a state policy requiring that any school with a habitual truancy rate of 8% or higher to be trained in Tier 1 school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SW-PBIS). A regression discontinuity (RD) design was used to examine how the schools' mandate status related to SW-PBIS training as well as student suspensions, truancy, and achievement in 410 public middle and high schools, of which 261 were affected by the mandate. We further examined the growth trajectories (i.e., improvement) of implementation fidelity over time using growth mixture modeling (GMM). Contrary to the intent of the policy to improve student outcomes, the RD results suggestedthat the mandate did not significantlyimpact reading and math achievement, truancy rates, or SW-PBIS training in 2010-2011 through 2013-2014. Mandated schools had higher suspension rates in 2010-2011 through 2013-2014 than the non-mandated schools; however, these differences in the suspension rates appear to have persisted from years prior to the mandate. Descriptive analyses suggested that mandated schools had statistically significantly higher rates of training, and the GMM analyses on the fidelity data indicated that mandated schools were significantly more likely to be in an improving implementationgrowth trajectory over time. Taken together, results suggested that the policy showed some promise for improving SW-PBIS training and fidelity over time, but it had little to no impact on student outcomes.

Strategies for Including Students With Extensive Support Needs in SWPBIS

Schools that implement School-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) offer a multitiered continuum of supports that increases in intensity to support the behavioral needs of all students within a school. Although the number of schools that have adopted SWPBIS continues to rise, students with extensive support needs (ESN) may be excluded from various aspects of SWPBIS at the Tier 1 and Tier 2 levels. Given that SWPBIS is intended to be fully inclusive, the purpose of this article is to provide educators and other staff with practical tools and guidelines for including students with ESN in Tiers 1 and 2 of SWPBIS. We also present additional considerations for self-assessment, collaborative teaming, and professional development for including students with ESN in SWPBIS.

PRELIMINARY OUTCOMES AND CHALLENGES TO IMPLEMENTING SCHOOL-WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS IN 30 GREEK PRIMARY SCHOOLS

<p>School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) is an evidence-based three-tier school-wide framework for preventing and treating challenging behavior in schools, improving overall school climate, and promoting teachers' teaming and collaboration. SWPBIS outcomes, such as the decrease of students' behavioral problems and improvement of teachers' cooperation, have been well established across various educational systems in many countries. The purpose of this qualitative study is to investigate stakeholders' perceptions about the preliminary outcomes and challenges of the SWPBIS Tier 1 implementation in 30 Greek primary schools. A semi-structured focus group was conducted with stakeholders from Greek primary schools about their experiences from the implementation of SWPBIS Tier 1 during the 2019-2020 school year. Three key categories were identified: (a) perceptions about the initial SWPBIS outcomes, (b) implementation challenges, and (c) suggestions on additional supports. Practical implications and results are discussed in terms of how they can be used in sustaining SWPBIS in the Greek context.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0774/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Impact of the School Environment on Medical Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Population-Wide Register Data Study of School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.

Although attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most heritable psychiatric childhood disorders, social and gene-environment interactions seemingly play an important role in the etiology of ADHD. Consistent with this, this study finds that School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) reduced the likelihood of pharmacotherapeutic treatment for ADHD at age 14-16 by 12%, using population-wide Norwegian register data and a difference-in-difference design (N=698,364, birth cohorts 1990-2002, 48.7% girls, 5.7% immigrant background). At-risk students in schools with high fidelity of implementation are driving these intervention effects. Overall, the findings indicate that children with a genetic disposition for ADHD are more likely to avoid medical treatment in an organized and predictable school setting with a focus on positive reinforcement.

The Additive Effects of Implementing Advanced Tiers of SWPBIS With Fidelity on Disciplinary Exclusions

Schools continue to rely on disciplinary exclusions as a consequence for behavioral rule violations, despite evidence that removing students from instruction for discipline purposes is associated with poor behavioral, academic, and social outcomes. School-wide positive behavior interventions and supports (SWPBIS) is one multitiered support framework used to prevent behavior problems while developing effective and efficient systems for intervening with students who require more support. Prior research suggests implementing Tier 1 of SWPBIS with fidelity is associated with reductions in disciplinary exclusions. In this study, we evaluated the additive effects of implementing Tier 1 and advanced tiers (i.e., Tiers 2 and 3) with fidelity compared with Tier 1 alone for 558 schools in California. Results indicate schools implementing all three tiers with fidelity had significantly lower rates of students receiving one out-of-school suspension, out-of-school suspension incidents, and referrals to law enforcement. We also discuss implications and recommendations for future research.

Development and Validation of a Measure Assessing Sustainability of Tier 2 and 3 Behavior Support Systems

To identify the most effective strategies for implementing and sustaining Tier 2 and 3 behavior support systems, a measure of general and tier-specific factors hypothesized to predict sustained implementation is needed. To address this need, we conducted two studies examining the construct validity of the Advanced Level Tier Interventions Treatment Utilization and Durability Evaluation (ALTITUDE) measure: one assessing the content aspects of construct validity (Study 1) and one assessing the structural and external aspects of construct validity (Study 2). In Study 1, participants included an expert panel of 26 members who provided iterative feedback during measure development. The results showed strong content representativeness (content validity index = .93) for assessing elements indicating sustainability. In Study 2, participants were school personnel from 646 schools who completed the measure. The results showed model fit was good for both a three-factor correlated model (CFI = .98, RMSEA = .06, SRMR = .05) and Bifactor S-1 model with correlated Tier 2 and Tier 3 specific residual factors (CFI = .98, RMSEA = .06, SRMR = .05). In addition, ALTITUDE latent factors were found to have both convergent and discriminant evidence in relation to concurrent fidelity of school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS) implementation at Tiers 1, 2, and 3. This construct validity evidence will support the use of the ALTITUDE in identifying the strongest tier-general and tier-specific predictors of sustained implementation of Tier 2 and 3 behavior support systems.

Optimal Timing for Launching Installation of Tiers 2 and 3 Systems of School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine patterns in implementation of Tiers 2 and 3 school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS) systems to identify timings of installation that led to higher implementation of advanced tiers. Extant data from 776 schools in 27 states reporting on the first 3 years of Tier 2 implementation and 359 schools in 23 states reporting on the first year of Tier 3 implementation were analyzed. Using structural equation modeling, we found that higher Tier 1 implementation predicted subsequent Tier 2 and Tier 3 implementation. In addition, waiting 2 or 3 years after initial Tier 1 implementation to launch Tier 2 systems predicted higher initial Tier 2 implementation (compared with implementing the next year). Finally, we found that launching Tier 3 systems after Tier 2 systems, compared with launching both tiers simultaneously, predicted higher Tier 2 implementation in the second and third year, so long as Tier 3 systems were launched within 3 years of Tier 2 systems. These findings provide empirical guidance for when to launch Tiers 2 and 3 systems; however, we emphasize that delays in launching advanced systems should not equate to delays in more intensive supports for students.

School‐wide positive behavioral interventions and supports in Dutch elementary schools: Exploring effects

AbstractIn 2009, School‐Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) was introduced in the Netherlands to support schools in creating safe learning environments. In this longitudinal study, we explored effects of SWPBIS on student outcomes in the Netherlands. Fidelity of implementation of SWPBIS has been associated with improved student outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between changes in fidelity and student outcomes. A total of 66 elementary schools (n = 14,256 students) were followed for 3 years (2015–2018). We collected yearly data on fidelity, social safety (consisting of students' social well‐being, general feeling of safety, harassment, prevalence of unsafe locations in and around schools), behavior incidents, and additional behavioral support. Using repeated measures analysis of variances, we saw an increase in fidelity scores and a decline in the percentage of students stating there were unsafe locations in and around school. Multiple regression analyses showed that changes in fidelity were related to changes in both students' social well‐being and the number of behavior incidents. Limitations were discussed, such as the absence of comparison schools not implementing SWPBIS, and schools at different stages of implementation, and we accounted for missing data.

Telecoaching to Support Schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports in Rural Schools

Schoolwide positive behavior interventions and supports (SWPBIS) is a three-tiered framework for preventing and addressing challenging behavior and improving school climate. SWPBIS requires ongoing coaching and consultation to ensure implementation fidelity and improve the efficiency and efficacy of data-based decision making and problem-solving processes. While many schools across the United States have district or school-level SWPBIS coaches in this role, many rural school districts do not have the funds or local expertise of a SWPBIS coach. To address this gap in a much-needed role, we examined the use of a teleconsultation model, as a substitute for in-person monthly SWPBIS coaching. This qualitative case study involved semi-structured focus group interviews of SWPBIS team members who received telecoaching. Perceptions regarding SWPBIS in rural settings in general, in addition to specific issues (e.g., barriers and benefits) related to the use of telecoaching were obtained and analyzed.

Administrators’ Perception of Their Role in School-wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Implementation

School administrators are called upon to enact and maintain school-wide systems and programs that promote student safety and success. The positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) framework is a popular school-wide approach for teaching, maintaining, and addressing student behavior through a three-tiered framework with the aim of reducing challenging behavior and enhancing opportunities for learning by all students. Thus, the purpose of this study was to learn more about how elementary school administrators set the stage for, and participate in, school-wide PBIS implementation. Ten elementary school administrators who were successfully implementing the PBIS framework were interviewed. Analysis of the interviews revealed that administrators indicated that their primary responsibilities in the PBIS implementation process included maintaining the fidelity of systems, rationalizing system for staff, moving the school-wide implementation forward, and building capacity within and across teams and that, central to the success, was continued communication with stakeholders, including teachers.

A Systematic Review of the Effects of Schoolwide Intervention Programs on Student and Teacher Perceptions of School Climate

A safe, supportive school climate is critical for school effectiveness. Unfortunately, the research linking a positive school climate to critical student outcomes includes few systematic reviews of the school climate literature and no reviews focused on the effects of interventions to improve school climate. This review examined the methodological quality and findings from 18 experimental studies evaluating the effects of schoolwide interventions on teacher and student perceptions of school climate. Each study was rated in terms of quality of the methods and magnitude of effects on school climate. Results indicated that only three of the 25 articles were considered methodologically sound. Effect sizes estimating the differences in teacher perceptions of school climate ranged from −0.29 to 1.69, while those concerning differences in student perceptions ranged from 0.03 to 1.93. Studies examining the effects of schoolwide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS) and social and emotional learning (SEL) interventions were the most methodologically sound and associated with the highest effect sizes.

Using a Systematic Evaluation to Establish Need and Buy-In Prior to Adoption of a SWPBIS Model

ABSTRACT Most schools throughout the United States are adopting Schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS). Many school administrators and PBIS teams appear to be implementing SWPBIS without the implementation of a needs assessment to measure preparedness and buy-in prior to a schoolwide initiative. The current research on SWPBIS generally doesn’t include lacks information about the needs assessment, the level of need, or the personnel buy-in. The purpose of this study was to measure need and buy-in of a school climate by using a systematic approach implemented within a mixed methods sequential explanatory design (MMSE). The MMSE design used determined the level of need and buy-in towards a SWPBIS model. The MMSE was used in a two phase process: phase one was a survey on school climate and phase two was a series of focus group interviews. The findings demonstrated a high level of need for PBIS but a low level of school personnel buy-in. The findings are presented and implications of the findings are discussed.

Establishing the literature base of SWPBIS research in schools with large populations of underrepresented students

For more than 20 years, the schoolwide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS) literature base has been growing as it relates to implementation and sustainability across various settings and grade levels. While the research is clear that SWPBIS is an effective multitiered framework, gaps in the literature exist. Specifically, the extent to which SWPBIS has been implemented in traditionally underrepresented schools has yet to be fully examined. This systematic review of the SWPBIS literature base resulted in 46 articles that were coded across 13 variables. The number of articles highlight underrepresentation in the SWPBIS literature. Researchers demonstrated variable (a) reductions in rates of disciplinary infractions and exclusionary responses, (b) implementation with fidelity, and (c) positive student outcomes across academics, attendance, and achievement.

Building From the Bottom Up: The Importance of Tier 1 Supports in the Context of Tier 2 Interventions

School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) relies on effective implementation of Tier 1 practices to ensure accurate identification of students in need of more intensive supports at Tier 2 or Tier 3. While measures of school-level fidelity are widely used, measures of classroom-level implementation of Tier 1 supports are less common. If classroom levels of Tier 1 supports are variable, schools may identify students for Tier 2 supports when, instead, teachers need support implementing Tier 1 in classrooms. The purpose of this case study was to assess the impact of a self-monitoring intervention, Monitoring Behavior on the Go (MoBeGo), on the academic engagement and disruptive behavior of a middle school student. Initially, the impact of the self-monitoring intervention was inadequate. In the context of evaluating the impact of a Tier 2 intervention, we identified an opportunity to assess whether a class-wide Tier 1 program, Class-Wide Function-Related Intervention Teams (CW-FIT), enhanced the effectiveness of the Tier 2 intervention. Using an A-B-BC-B-BC design, we compared the effectiveness of a Tier 2 intervention alone with a combined Tier 1 + Tier 2 intervention. When the class-wide Tier 1 program was layered on top of the Tier 2 intervention, the student’s academic engagement showed an increase in level and stability.

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.

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.

School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports: Fidelity of Tier 1 Implementation in 117 Dutch Schools

School-wide positive behavior interventions and supports (SWPBIS) is a school-wide approach to create a safe and positive school climate. SWPBIS is a framework in which core features and procedures need to be adjusted to its specific school context, referred to as contextual fit. Implementing with fidelity is related to positive outcomes such as a decrease of behavioral problems. Therefore, when adapting SWPBIS to the context, fidelity of implementation needs to be assured. At the introduction of SWPBIS in the Netherlands in 2009, several procedures were adapted to the Dutch educational context, and different modalities of supporting schools in implementing SWPBIS emerged. In this study, the Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI) and School-Wide Evaluation Tool (SET) were used to assess fidelity of Tier 1 implementation in 117 Dutch schools. The average period of SWPBIS implementation was 2 years 5 months. Results showed that all core features and procedures were present. Mean total scores were 60% for the TFI and 70% for the SET. Most participating schools appeared to have leadership teams, expectations were taught, and acknowledgment provided. Teams had been trained, and discipline data collected. Compared with other features, annual evaluation, data-based decision making, and stakeholder involvement were less well implemented.

School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and Student Academic Achievement

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of school-wide positive behavior interventions and supports (SWPBIS) on student academic performance. The participants in the study are eight middle schools from an urban Southern California school district where the implementation of SWPBIS was mandated. Using archival data collected by the school district and information from the California Department of Education Website, multiple baseline trends were conducted. The findings revealed that when schools implemented SWPBIS, the student outcome data was positively impacted and this positive impact continues as schools continue to fully implement all components of SWPBIS. In schools where SWPBIS was implemented fully and the staff sustained the program at the school site, the growth in academic achievement was strongly associated with the implementation of SWPBIS with fidelity. Discussion centers on recommendations for educational leaders for implementing SWPBIS.

Cultural Challenges in Adapting SWPBIS to a Dutch Context

The transfer and adoption of school-wide approaches, like School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS), from one country to another, is an underexamined process. SWPBIS was mainly developed in the US. Although research shows that implementation of SWPBIS contributes to a positive school climate and a decrease in problem behavior, little is known about the generalizability of the effects in other countries. Of special interest is the role of underlying cultural values and concepts as reflected in SWPBIS. This can influence the acceptance of teachers and principals when implementing SWPBIS in another country. SWPBIS procedures need to be adjusted to the educational context where it is implemented. As a consequence, fidelity of implementation can be at stake when adjustments affect not only SWPBIS procedures (e.g., the way expected behavior is taught) but also core features (e.g., teaching of behavior). In this study, we explored cultural adaptation efforts in the Netherlands. We have drawn on perceptions of Dutch SWPBIS experts. In two sessions, 12 and then 10 experts were questioned. Results suggested that core features of SWPBIS seemed to be quite consistent across cultures, but adaptations in procedures were necessary.

Middle School Teachers’ Concerns for Implementing the Principles of SWPBIS

Following a review of the literature to identify core principles of schoolwide positive behavior interventions and supports (SWPBIS), this study employed coding methods to examine teacher concerns as expressed in their responses to an open-ended probe in five middle schools. Teachers in all schools expressed concerns for their colleagues’ support for implementation, Tier 2 and 3 supports, use of reinforcement and consequences, and student investment. Fewer teachers expressed concerns for prevention, structuring the environment to support positive behavior, using data to make decisions, teaching expectations, and the need to understand the function of behavior. Within and across schools, teachers expressed diverse views as they affirmed their support, expressed concerns for their colleagues’ non-support, and, in fewer cases, expressed misunderstandings or beliefs in opposition to the principles of SWPBIS. Overall, tensions seemed to stem not from opposition or resistance to SWPBIS but from poor application of the SWPBIS principles in their building—by the team, the administrators, and/or colleagues. Limitations, recommendations for practice, and future research are discussed.